James Van Der Beek's Family in Need of Support Amid Actor's Passing at 48

As James Van Der Beek's wife's emotional tribute gains attention online, a donation campaign underscores the financial challenges her family now faces.

"Dawson's Creek" star James Van Der Beek has died at 48, his wife, Kimberly Van Der Beek, confirmed in an emotional social media post announcing his passing.

While fans remember his career and courage, those closest to him are navigating a far more personal aftermath. Behind the public farewell lies a years-long cancer battle — and a financial strain few saw coming.

Kimberly Van Der Beek's Emotional Goodbye

On February 11, 2026, Kimberly wrote on Instagram, "Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning. He met his final days with courage, faith, and grace."

She indicated that there is more to say about his final wishes, his deep compassion for others, and the meaning he found in life. "Those days will come. For now we ask for peaceful privacy as we grieve our loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend," she added.

The statement marked the end of a battle with cancer that he had publicly disclosed the previous year.

When He First Revealed His Diagnosis

James publicly confirmed his illness in November 2024, telling People about his diagnosis. "I have colorectal cancer. I've been privately dealing with this diagnosis and have been taking steps to resolve it, with the support of my incredible family."

At the time of his diagnosis, he remained cautiously optimistic, sharing that he was feeling well despite the circumstances.

According to the American Cancer Society, colorectal cancer begins in the colon or rectum, which are parts of the large intestine in the digestive system.

Despite his diagnosis, he continued working, appearing on "Walker" and preparing for the Tubi film "Sidelined: The QB and Me." He also participated in "The Real Full Monty," a special raising awareness for prostate, testicular, and colorectal cancer testing.

Still, behind the scenes, the reality of treatment was far more consuming.

Reflecting on His Diagnosis

In a later interview with People, James explained that he learned he had cancer on August 31, 2023, describing it as the day his life changed dramatically and unexpectedly.

He explained that he underwent a colonoscopy and initially felt relieved after the procedure, believing he had taken a responsible step by getting checked.

However, as he was waking up from anesthesia, his doctor calmly informed him that the results showed cancer.

He recalled how he reacted to the result, saying, "I think I went into shock a little bit. At the time, I didn't feel like I had enough information to panic because all I knew was that it was cancer." He later learned the cancer was on stage three.

Soon, he began to understand just how much cancer treatment would take over his life. On-screen projects he had already committed to were suddenly uncertain, and his professional schedule was no longer his priority.

Managing the illness became all-consuming, requiring constant coordination of appointments, insurance calls, medical portals, and the organization of test results — turning his diagnosis into what felt like a full-time responsibility.

"I was not prepared for just how much of a full-time job that really is," James said.

Even as he faced the seriousness of the diagnosis, he tried to maintain a hopeful outlook and believed the disease would not ultimately take his life. But he acknowledged the emotional toll:

"I really felt like this is gonna be the biggest life redirect. I'm going to make changes that I never would have made otherwise that I'm going to look back on in a year, five years, 30 years from now, and say 'Thank God that happened,' and that's how I was about 90% of the time, and then 10% of the time I was a sobbing, terrified mess."

When speaking about his six children, he was open about how much their support meant to him. He said they responded with love and tenderness, even as they struggled with fear.

Even in fear, he remained Dad. And as the emotional toll mounted, so did another burden.

A Family Grappling With What Comes Next

As condolences continue to pour in, a GoFundMe campaign launched to support Kimberly and the children sheds light on the financial toll of James's prolonged illness.

Organized by Jason K, the page explains that years of medical treatment placed significant strain on the family's finances, leaving them struggling in the aftermath of his death.

It noted that Kimberly and the children "are facing an uncertain future," adding that the extended fight against cancer depleted their resources.

"They are working hard to stay in their home and to ensure the children can continue their education and maintain some stability during this incredibly difficult time," the page read.

The fundraiser stated that donations will go toward essential living expenses, household bills, and the children's schooling.

For a family that spent the past year focused on treatment, the priority now is rebuilding daily life without him. As of publication, the fundraiser has raised $1,075,174 of its $1.3 million goal, with 19,700 donations.