James Van Der Beek honors loved ones in final social media post before death at 48

Dawson’s Creek star James Van Der Beek honored his loved ones in a poignant post just two weeks before his death after being diagnosed with advanced colorectal cancer.

The 48-year-old actor’s death was confirmed in a statement by his family on Wednesday, when they took to social media to announce that he had passed away after a two and a half year battle with the disease.

“Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning. He met his final days with courage, faith, and grace. There is much to share regarding his wishes, love for humanity and the sacredness of time. Those days will come. For now we ask for peaceful privacy as we grieve our loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend,” they wrote in a statement.

Throughout his illness, Van Der Beek never lost sight of the things that were important to him, which meant spending as much time as possible with his wife Kimberly and their six children.

It was family that was firmly on his mind in his final social media post, which was shared just two weeks before he passed away.

In a post dated January 26, Van Der Beek honoured one of his daughters, Annabel, and his father, Jim, as he revealed that they both shared a birthday.

“My father and my daughter share a birthday today,” he began. “At first, I thought that was all they shared - they seemed so different to me.”

“But as the two of you have evolved, and let more of who you are shine through, I can recognize the same open, warm, loving, gentle heart.”

“I see the care and dedication you shower upon those you love most. I see the same out-of-the-box Aquarian creativity and originality. And you both make every room you’re in more fun.”

“Different senses of humor, but you both have a way of alchemizing the vibe around you in such a subtle way one can almost miss how powerfully you do this.

“In this crazy world, it’s a wonder to me that you’ve managed to stay so open, so tender, and so genuinely good.

“You are marvels… and I’m so insanely grateful to have you in my life.

“The world is a better place because the two of you are in it. Happy birthday, guys. I love you with all my heart.”

The post was accompanied by two photos capturing heartwarming moments and memories - one which saw James wrap his arms around his daughter, while the other featured Annabel and Jim sharing a hug.

Van Der Beek was first diagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancer in August 2023 and started his battle privately before going public in November 2024.

He explored multiple options to try and treat the disease, even going so far as to auction off memorabilia from his time on Dawson’s Creek and Varsity Blues to fund his increasing healthcare costs.

It’s these costs which now threaten the security of his surviving family, with his widow Kimberly now facing an ‘uncertain’ future.

According to a GoFundMe created by Kimberly's friends, funding James’ cancer battle has left the family funds depleted, and the family is out of money and struggling to stay in their home after Van Der Beek's death on Wednesday, Feb. 11.

"In the wake of this loss, Kimberly and the children are facing an uncertain future. The costs of James's medical care and the extended fight against cancer have left the family out of funds," a description on the post read.

"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," it continued. "The support of friends, family, and the wider community will make a world of difference as they navigate the road ahead."