James Van Der Beek’s friends share touching intimate images of his ‘final days’
His loved ones posted a number of emotional social media tributes
James Van Der Beek's loved ones have shared some heartfelt snaps of his final days, following the tragic news of his death.
The 48-year-old's passing was confirmed on his Instagram account on Wednesday (11 February), as a tribute was posted by his family for his fans to read.
"Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning," it began.
"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.
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"Those days will come. For now we ask for peaceful privacy as we grieve our loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend."
The Dawson's Creek actor previously announced that he had been diagnosed with stage three colorectal cancer, admitting in an interview with People that it had been discovered during a routine colonscopy in 2023.
He admitted that there was a 'change in bowel habits' beforehand, which is one of many symptoms to look out for.
The father-of-six, who left an emotional message to followers about resting before spring, spent some of his final days with family and friends.
Alfonso Ribeiro said that he was 'lucky' to say goodbye to his 'true friend brother and life guide' in a couple of social media posts.
He said that both him and his wife, Kimberly Van Der Beek, had 'changed' his life, with The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air star claiming: "I will forever be in debt for all they’ve given me and my family."
Others posted snaps with the actor before his passing, such as retired WWE wrestler Stacy Keibler.
"Spending these final days with you has been a true gift from God. I have never been so present in my life," she said, in the caption of a snap of the pair.
She added: "When you know time is sacred, you don’t waste a single breath. You don’t rush. You don’t scroll. You don’t worry about tomorrow. You sit. You listen. You hold hands. You watch the sky change colors and you let it change you too."
She added that she saw 'what it looks like to trust God’s plan', despite her heart being broken.
Keibler can be seen watching the sun set with Van Der Beek, explaining that they spoke about how the world can 'feel upside down' in their final interaction while writing online that 'heaven gained something extraordinary'.
She wasn't alone, as designer Erin Fetherston also shared a picture with Van Der Beek as he laid in bed.
Confirming that she saw her friend in his final days, she said in an Instagram post that he was 'Uncle James' to her family.
"Thank you for your friendship. For always showing up. For being the one who would go the extra mile. When our dog died in the middle of the night, you were the one who came over with a shovel," she said in a heartfelt message.
She also noted that both him and his wife were 'the very first visitors' when they had their kids.
She added: "What an honour it was to have a seat at your table and to call you a best friend.
"The space you leave behind can never be filled, but we will do our best to shower your beautiful family with love and remember to keep dancing in your honour — because you always knew the importance of joy."
"We love you. Always," she concluded.
Topics: Cancer, Social Media, Celebrity
Joshua Nair