James Van Der Beek's brother speaks out after actor's death aged 48

James Van Der Beek died on Wednesday (11 February) at the age of 48 after being diagnosed with cancer.

His family shared the news on his Instagram account as they said the Dawson’s Creek star ‘passed away peacefully’.

“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,” they added. “Those days will come. For now we ask for peaceful privacy as we grieve our loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend.”

As his friends shared touching images from the last days of James’ life, his brother, Jared, has also spoken out with a touching tribute.

He described a ‘special bond’ between brothers as he said that the ‘physical bond was broken’.

The star 'passed away peacefully' earlier this week (Michael Buckner/Deadline/Penske Media via Getty Images)

Sharing a series of images with James from over the years, Jared wrote: “I now know why people call it heartbreak when you lose someone close to you. There is a feeling of devastation and pain that runs so deep in the heart, I didn’t know it would hurt so badly.

“He was my person, the one I went to for any and all things. I’ve looked up to him since I was born. He has never failed to be there for me whenever I needed him.”

He added that it has been ‘wonderful’ to read and see how James ‘touched so many lives’ due to who he was not ‘because of something he did’.

Jared described his brother as having shared ‘with an open heart’ and a ‘wise soul’.

“As painful as this pain deep in the heart is, the healing has already begun with all the outpouring of love, prayers, and support,” he continued.

“I truly thank all of you have taken the time to reach out, letting me know that you’re there. The community of people who were intimately involved in his passing were nothing short of amazing. Thank you to everyone known and unknown who helped his transition be as beautiful as possible.”

Jared said he's looked up to his brother since he was born (jaredvanderbeek/Instagram)

Jared then concluded with a message to his late brother: “James, I already miss your physical being and your words of wisdom over the phone. Yet, I also feel your presence so strongly and I know you will continue to be guiding me.

“Thank you for living your life with me. I love you.”

James had previously announced that he had been diagnosed with stage three colorectal cancer, discovered during a routine colonoscopy in 2023.

If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence, contact Cruse Bereavement Care via their national helpline on 0808 808 1677.

If you’ve been affected by any of these issues and want to speak to someone in confidence, contact Macmillan’s Cancer Support Line on 0808 808 00 00, 8am–8pm seven days a week.