James Van Der Beek — the actor who captured hearts as Dawson Leery on Dawson’s Creek — has died at 48 after a long and public battle with cancer, sending shockwaves through Hollywood and generations of fans. Here’s what we know so far about James Van Der Beek’s passing, the cause behind it, and the emotional fundraiser launched by his widow to support their family.
James Van Der Beek’s Passing: What Happened?
Veteran actor James Van Der Beek died on February 11, 2026, at the age of 48 after a courageous struggle with stage 3 colorectal cancer (sometimes referred to as bowel cancer).
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Van Der Beek had publicly shared his diagnosis in late 2024, after discovering the cancer during routine screening.
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Despite undergoing treatment for more than a year, the disease progressed, and he ultimately succumbed to complications from the illness.
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His wife, Kimberly Van Der Beek, confirmed his death on Instagram, noting that he passed peacefully and with “courage, faith, and grace.”
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The announcement asked for privacy for the family as they grieve their husband and father.
James leaves behind his devoted wife, Kimberly, and their six children: Olivia, Joshua, Annabel, Emilia, Gwendolyn, and Jeremiah.
What Led to His Death: The Cancer Battle
For years, Van Der Beek had been fighting colorectal cancer, a type of cancer that affects the colon or rectum.
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His diagnosis was first made public in November 2024, although he had been dealing with health challenges for longer.
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Colorectal cancer can be aggressive, especially in later stages; stage 3 indicates that the cancer had spread to nearby lymph nodes.
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Throughout his struggle, James remained open about the emotional and physical toll of the disease, often speaking candidly about the challenges of treatment, family life, and maintaining hope. While many details of his treatment journey are private, the public aspect of his battle inspired empathy, conversations about cancer screening, and support from fans worldwide.
His passing is a reminder of how swiftly serious illnesses can progress and the importance of regular health screening — particularly for cancers where early detection can make a significant difference.
The Fundraiser by His Widow: Standing With Kimberly and the Kids
Almost immediately after the news of his death, a major fundraiser was launched to support his widow and six children after the intense financial strain of his medical care.
What the Fundraiser Is About
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A GoFundMe campaign was organized by friends and shared by Kimberly Van Der Beek to help the family manage living and educational expenses in the wake of James’s passing.
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The campaign originally set a goal of $500,000, which was quickly surpassed and expanded to $1 million due to overwhelming support.
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Donations will go toward:
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Household and everyday living costs
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Medical bills from James’s extended cancer treatment
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Educational support and stability for their children
— Acknowledging that the family had been “out of funds” due to the expense of his long illness.
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Community and Celebrity Support
Thousands of supporters — including fans and notable personalities — have already contributed within hours of the fundraiser launching. There have also been celebrity donations and benefit events tied to his memory and family support.
Kimberly has expressed gratitude and heartbreak in her public messages, thanking donors while also requesting privacy to mourn their profound loss.
Remembering James Van Der Beek
James Van Der Beek wasn’t just a television star — he was a beloved father, husband, and cultural touchstone for many who grew up watching Dawson’s Creek. His openness about personal struggles, his dedication to family, and his efforts to confront pain with honesty will remain part of his legacy.
The outpouring of support for his family reflects how deeply he was appreciated — not just for his roles on screen, but for the person he was off it.
