Chyler Leigh remembers ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ co-star Eric Dane, says he had a 'heart of gold’

Chyler Leigh recalls her former co-star, Eric Dane, following his tragic demise. The 43-year-old actress, who played Lexie Grey opposite Dane’s character Mark Sloan on 'Grey’s Anatomy,' shared a heartfelt tribute to her late co-star two days after he passed away on February 19 at the age of 53.

Chyler Leigh’s emotional tribute to Eric Dane

In a statement to E!News, Chyler Leigh said, “The last 48 hours have been devastating. I never thought I would be using the term ‘had or was,’ but here we are. And I hate it.” Describing Eric Dane’s personality, his former on-screen love interest said, “Eric had a heart of gold. His humor and, especially, his laugh was infectious. He was a deeply intelligent man who could carry a philosophical conversation for hours even while we were on set.”

Chyler Leigh is holding Eric Dane ‘within her heart forever’

Leigh continued, “He was an amazing father and loved his girls fiercely,” referring to Dane’s two daughters, Billie Beatrice, 15, and Georgia Geraldine, 14. The 43-year-old singer-actor called Dane “Incredibly passionate” about his work and the causes he kept close to his heart.”

"The Universe is undoubtedly holding Eric now,” she continued, “just as I will continue to do within my heart forever.”

Several other Grey’s Anatomy cast members shared tributes to Eric Dane.

Tributes pour in for Eric Dane

Patrick Dempsey, 60, recalled Dane’s heartbreaking final days and shared his thoughts during an appearance on The Chris Evans Breakfast Show on February 20. "He was bedridden, and it was very hard for him to swallow, so the quality of his life was deteriorating so rapidly," Dempsey shared before adding, "He was the funniest man, he was such a joy to work with and I want to just remember him in that spirit because any time he was on set, he brought so much fun to it.”

Kevin McKidd, who also starred on the show, reposted on his Instagram Stories a photo shared by Variety of Dane from the 'Grey's Anatomy' set and wrote, "Rest in peace buddy…"

Dane's family confirmed his death in a statement to PEOPLE on Feb. 19, saying that the actor spent "his final days surrounded by dear friends, his devoted wife, and his two beautiful daughters, Billie and Georgia, who were the center of his world."