Sadly, fans have not seen the last of departures from Grey’s Anatomy. Today Eric Dane announced that he will be exiting the series.

TV Line reports that Dane’s character, Dr. Mark Sloan, who was badly injured in the season 8 finale will survive the crash and return to Seattle Grace Hospital for a few more episodes before making an exit. His character is likely to be hugely affected by the death of Lexie Grey and may be used as the reason for leaving. Both Dane and show creator Shonda Rhimes released statements on the actor’s decision to leave the show.

“I am extremely grateful to everyone at Grey’s, ABC and Shondaland for the experience and memories I have had over the course of this run,” Dane tells TVLine exclusively. “It has been wonderful to work alongside and learn from a creative force such as Shonda Rhimes.”

Rhimes called McSteamy “one of the most beloved characters on Grey’s Anatomy.” She added that Dane “did not come to this decision lightly, but after much consideration and conversations, he and I have decided that this is the right time for his storyline to end.

How do you think the show should handle Dane’s exit?