James Van Der Beek and his wife Kimberly Van Der Beek’s famous friends have offered their financial support following his tragic death at 48.
“Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning. He met his final days with courage, faith and grace,” Kimberly, 44, wrote via Instagram on Wednesday, February 11. “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.”
James, who was diagnosed with stage III colorectal cancer in 2023, is survived by his wife of 16 years, Kimberly, and their six children.
In light of James’ death, Kimberly revealed via social media that her friends launched a GoFundMe campaign to “support [her and their] children during this time.”
“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 website description reads. “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.”
The campaign further claimed that Kimberly and the kids were “working hard to stay” in the family’s Texas ranch.
“The support of friends, family, and the wider community will make a world of difference as they navigate the road ahead,” the GoFundMe listing added. “Your generosity will help cover essential living expenses, pay bills, and support the children’s education. Every donation, no matter the size, will help Kimberly and her family find hope and security as they rebuild their lives.”
The fundraiser quickly raised over $400,000 in the hours after James’ death, including from a number of the couple’s celebrity friends. Keep scrolling to see who donated to the cause:
Derek Hough
Dancing With the Stars judge Derek Hough shared a link to the GoFundMe to his Instagram Stories on Wednesday before offering his financial backing.
Lydia Hearst
Lydia Hearst donated $1,500 to the campaign.
Martin Blencowe
Film producer Martin Blencowe pledged $10,000 to the fund.
Ricki Lake
Ricki Lake also contributed to the fund.
Busy Phillipps
James’ Dawson’s Creek costar Busy Phillipps shared a link to the fundraiser via her Instagram Stories, urging her followers to “donate here.” (Phillips did not clarify whether she donated herself.)
“My heart is deeply hurting for all of us today … every person who knew James and loved him, anyone who loved his work or had the pleasure of meeting him, all of his dear friends and community that surrounded him as he battled this illness, especially his parents and brother and sister,” Phillipps wrote in an Instagram tribute. “I am profoundly heartbroken for his incredible wife Kimberly and their six magical children. There is a GoFundMe for them to help out and I’ll put the link in my stories. James Van Der Beek was one in a billion and he will be forever missed and I don’t know what else to say. I am just so so sad. He was my friend and I loved him and I’m so grateful for our friendship all these years.”
Other stars, including Kaley Cuoco, Miranda Kerr, Guy Oseary and Julie Plec, also appeared to donate to the GoFundMe but it has yet to be confirmed. Luxury Handbag Shopping has reached out for comment.
