Grey's Anatomy Star Eric Dane Dies at 53 After ALS Battle

US Women's Hockey Team Wins Gold, Judge Rules 'Boneless Wings' Can Be Called Wings

Published on Mar. 1, 2026

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Actor Eric Dane, best known for his role as Dr. Mark Sloan on Grey's Anatomy, has died at the age of 53 after revealing his diagnosis with ALS last year. Meanwhile, the US women's hockey team clinched the gold medal with a 2-1 overtime victory over Canada, and a judge ruled that Buffalo Wild Wings can continue to call their boneless menu items 'wings'.

Why it matters

Dane's death is a major loss for the entertainment industry, as he was a beloved actor who left an indelible mark on one of television's most popular medical dramas. The US women's hockey team's gold medal win continues their dominance on the international stage, while the ruling on 'boneless wings' settles a long-standing debate about how restaurants can market their products.

The details

Eric Dane, who played the role of Dr. Mark Sloan, also known as 'McSteamy,' on Grey's Anatomy, passed away at the age of 53 after a battle with ALS. Dane revealed his diagnosis with the neurodegenerative disease just last year. In a separate story, the US women's hockey team defeated Canada 2-1 in overtime to win the gold medal, continuing their rivalry and dominance in the sport. Additionally, a judge in Illinois ruled in favor of Buffalo Wild Wings, stating that the chain can continue to call their boneless menu items 'wings,' as a reasonable consumer would understand them to be deboned wings reconstituted into a different form.

  • Eric Dane passed away on February 18, 2026.
  • The US women's hockey team won the gold medal on February 19, 2026.
  • The judge's ruling on the 'boneless wings' case was issued on February 16, 2026.

The players

Eric Dane

An American actor best known for his role as Dr. Mark Sloan, also known as 'McSteamy,' on the hit medical drama series Grey's Anatomy. Dane passed away at the age of 53 after a battle with ALS.

US Women's Hockey Team

The national women's ice hockey team of the United States, which has dominated the sport at the Olympic level, winning their third gold medal in the 2026 Winter Olympics.

Buffalo Wild Wings

A popular American casual dining restaurant chain that specializes in chicken wings and other sports bar-style food. A judge ruled that the chain can continue to call their boneless menu items 'wings.'

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

The takeaway

This story highlights the impact of the loss of a beloved actor, the continued dominance of the US women's hockey team, and the ongoing debate around how restaurants can market their products. It underscores the importance of honesty in advertising and the enduring popularity of certain sports and entertainment figures.