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The loved ones of James Van Der Beek are grappling with the economic effects following his passing. After the former Dawson’s Creek star, age 48, passed away on Wednesday, February 11, following a prolonged struggle with colorectal malignancy, a GoFundMe site was initiated to assist James’ family with covering the healthcare bills. As of Thursday, February 12, the online collection has surpassed $1.6 million in contributions.
“Following a lengthy and valiant confrontation with cancer, James departed on February 11, 2026, leaving behind his devoted spouse, Kimberly, in addition to their six cherished children,” the GoFundMe details. “During his sickness, the family encountered not only emotional distress but additionally considerable economic burdens as they explored every avenue to sustain James and guarantee he had proper medical attention.”
The details go on to say, “Subsequent to this sorrowful incident, Kimberly along with their children face an uncertain tomorrow. The payments for James’ treatment and the sustained battle against cancer has left the relatives devoid of finances. They are striving to remain in their residence and to ensure the children’s schooling continues and they can uphold some constancy during this exceptionally challenging period. The backing of companions, relatives, and the larger community will greatly affect their progression moving forward.”
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Three months preceding his passing, James put a portion of his Varsity Blues and Dawson’s Creek items up for auction to resolve his healthcare debt.
“I have been keeping these prized possessions for several years, awaiting the perfect moment to utilize them, and due to the recent unforeseen ups and downs that life has dealt, it’s evident that now is the time,” James stated back in November 2025. “Even though I feel a tinge of sentimentality parting with these articles, it’s fulfilling to have the ability to provide them through Propstore’s auction so that they might be shared with individuals who have encouraged my work over the years.”
The offerings encompass the necklace Dawson gifted Joey for the dance, with valuations between $26,400 and $52,800, as stated by People.
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James had been contending with cancer following his initial diagnosis in 2023, but kept this information private up until November 2024.
“I have been managing this privately up to now, obtaining treatment and refining my general well-being with greater attentiveness than ever previously,” the deceased WB personality conveyed via Instagram at that time. “I am in a positive state and feeling robust. It has been quite an introductory ordeal, and I will share more information when I am in a better place.”
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LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MAY 14: James Van Der Beek attends the Los Angeles premiere of the Prime video series "Overcompensating" at Hollywood Palladium on May 14, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by JC Olivera/GA/The Hollywood Reporter via Getty Images)
DANCING WITH THE STARS – With a lineup of celebrities including a supermodel, a former White House press secretary, a Bachelorette, pro-athletes from the NFL and NBA, a Supreme and a TV icon to name a few, "Dancing with the Stars" is waltzing its way into its highly anticipated upcoming 2019 season. The new celebrity cast is adding some glitzy bling to their wardrobe, breaking in their dancing shoes and readying themselves for their first dance on the ballroom floor, as the show kicks off MONDAY, SEPT. 16 (8:00-10:00 p.m. EDT), on ABC. (ABC/Justin Stephens)JAMES VAN DER BEEK