The fundraiser set up to support Eric Dane's family after his death has reportedly been put 'under review' by GoFundMe with the funds now on hold.
The American actor passed away earlier this week following a battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and an appeal was launched to raise money for his grieving wife and two daughters, subsequently raising close to $300,000.
A statement from his family read: "With heavy hearts, we share that Eric Dane passed on Thursday afternoon following a courageous battle with ALS.
"He spent his final days surrounded by dear friends, his devoted wife, and his two beautiful daughters, Billie and Georgia, who were the centre of his world."
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Much like the family of James Van Der Beek, who were reportedly struggling financially in the wake of expensive medical bills, a fundraiser was set up to support the family Dane left behind, despite the popular actor being a regular feature in the hit medical series Grey's Anatomy, as well as Euphoria.
In a statement provided to the San Francisco Chronicle, GoFundMe said: “Our Trust and Safety team is still looking into this GoFundMe and has reached out to the organiser to gather additional information.
“All funds are being safely held by our payment processors during this review process. We can follow up as soon as there is an update available.”
The GoFundMe states: "Following his diagnosis, Eric became a passionate spokesperson for the ALS community, using his voice and platform to advocate for fellow patients and to push for greater awareness.
"Even as his own health declined, he remained deeply committed to helping others facing the same devastating disease. As his illness progressed far more quickly than anyone could have imagined, Eric's friends have come together to create this GoFundMe to support his girls and their future needs.
"Any contribution, no matter the size, will help provide stability during this incredibly difficult time and in the future for Eric’s wonderful daughters."
While Dane did leave an emotional statement to his daughters in a powerful Netflix interview which was released shortly after his death, and he would have surely wanted them to be looked after now he is gone, recent cases are setting a strange precedent of fundraisers for the families of recently deceased celebrities.
It is also unclear at this stage exactly who is benefitting from the fundraiser, as long-time friend Mike McGuinness suggested he was behind the effort, yet his name does not appear on the GoFundMe.
On Instagram, he wrote: “Covid and ALS did a number on his work life and he sadly couldn’t leave his family with the resources he had hoped. A GoFundMe is being made and I will post it on my story for anyone able to help.”
Representatives for the family are yet to comment on the fundraiser, which saw Euphoria creator Sam Levinson and his wife, Ashley Levinson donate $27,000.
LADbible has contacted the representatives of Eric Dane's wife Rebecca Gayheart for comment.
Topics: GoFundMe, Celebrity News, Charity
James Moorhouse