how did eric dane die in grey's anatomy

Eric Dane’s character Mark Sloan (“McSteamy”) dies in Grey’s Anatomy from injuries sustained in the Season 8 plane crash; after initially surviving, he later succumbs to complications and is taken off life support at the start of Season 9.

How Did Eric Dane Die in Grey’s Anatomy?

Note: This is about his character Mark Sloan on the show, not Eric Dane’s real-life passing.

In‑show cause of death

• Mark Sloan is critically injured in a plane crash at the end of Season 8.
• He is taken to Seattle Grace (later Grey Sloan) with severe internal injuries and trauma.
• At first, he appears to stabilize and even has a brief “recovery” period.
• Then his condition worsens due to complications from those injuries.
• In the Season 9 premiere, he is placed on life support, and the doctors ultimately decide to withdraw it when it’s clear he will not recover, leading to his death.

Episode/season context

• Plane crash: Season 8 finale (“Flight”).
• Death on life support: Season 9 premiere (“Going, Going, Gone”).
• The crash also leads to the death of Lexie Grey, making Mark’s storyline one of the show’s most emotional exits.

TL;DR: Mark “McSteamy” Sloan dies on Grey’s Anatomy from complications after the Season 8 plane crash, passing away when life support is withdrawn in the Season 9 premiere.