James Van Der Beek’s widow, Kimberly Van Der Beek, is sharing a fundraiser for her family after her husband’s death at age 48.
“James Van Der Beek was a beloved husband, father, and friend who touched the lives of everyone around him,” the GoFundMe page read. “After a long and courageous battle with cancer, James passed away on February 11, 2026 leaving behind his devoted wife, Kimberly, and their six wonderful children. Throughout his illness, the family faced not only emotional challenges but also significant financial strain as they did everything possible to support James and provide for his care.”
The page noted that Kimberly, 44, and the kids are “facing an uncertain future” after James’ death.
“The costs of James’s medical care and the extended fight against cancer have left the family out of funds,” the fundraiser’s description continued. “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 support of friends, family, and the wider community will make a world of difference as they navigate the road ahead.”
Donations to the fundraiser “will help cover essential living expenses, pay bills, and support the children’s education” and “help Kimberly and her family find hope and security as they rebuild their lives.”
In an Instagram Story post, Kimberly explained that her friends launched the page for her. “With gratitude and a broken heart,” she wrote.
James and Kimberly, who tied the knot in 2010, shared six children: Olivia, 15, Joshua, 13, Annabel, 12, Emily, 9, Gwendolyn, 7, and Jeremiah, 4.
The fundraiser had received more than $102,000 in donations at the time of publication. According to the update feed, Dancing With the Stars judge Derek Hough contributed $1,000. (James competed on season 28 with Emma Slater as his partner.)
A statement shared via James’ Instagram account on Wednesday, February 11, confirmed that he died earlier that day.
“Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning. He met his final days with courage, faith, and grace,” read the message. “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.”
The Travis County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed to Luxury Handbag Shopping that James was pronounced dead at 6:44 a.m. on Wednesday. A medical professional made the call to the examiner’s office.
James announced his stage III colorectal cancer diagnosis in November 2024.
“I’ve been privately dealing with this diagnosis and have been taking steps to resolve it, with the support of my incredible family,” he told People at the time. “There’s reason for optimism, and I’m feeling good.”
Several months later, the Dawson’s Creek alum told Extra that he could “see the finish line” of his cancer battle, explaining that he was “in a healing phase” as of March 2025.
Later that year, however, he suffered a health setback ahead of a planned Dawson’s Creek reunion in September 2025.
“You can imagine how gutted I was when two stomach viruses conspired to knock me out of commission and keep me grounded at the worst possible moment,” he wrote via Instagram shortly before the event. “Despite every effort … I won’t get to be there. I won’t get to stand on that stage and thank every soul in the theater for showing up for me, and against cancer, when I needed it most.”
