- - James Van Der Beek's Ex-Wife Heather McComb Writes Heartfelt Tribute: 'I Will Treasure the Last Loving Words We Exchanged'

Benjamin VanHooseFebruary 12, 2026 at 10:12 AM

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Heather McComb and James Van Der Beek

Heather McComb/Instagram

James Van Der Beek's ex-wife Heather McComb paid tribute to the actor after his death

The Dawson's Creek alum died Feb. 11, at age 48 after a years-long journey with colorectal cancer

Van Der Beek shares six kids with wife Kimberly, whom he married in 2010

James Van Der Beek's ex-wife Heather McComb is remembering the actor and their enduring connection after his death.

The Dawson's Creek star died on Wednesday, Feb. 11, at age 48, his wife Kimberly announced. His death followed a years-long journey with colorectal cancer. Together the couple welcomed six kids: Olivia, 15, Joshua, 13, Annabel, 12, Emilia, 9½, Gwendolyn, 7, and Jeremiah, 4.

On Instagram Thursday, Feb. 12, McComb — who married Van Der Beek in 2003 before separating in 2009 — paid tribute to him, sharing a throwback photo from early in their relationship.

"I am heartbroken over the loss of beloved James. I am especially heartbroken for his incredible wife Kimberly, his beautiful children and his amazing family, Jim, Jared, Juliana and all of his family and friends who I know he loved deeply," wrote McComb, 48.

"This picture is from my 21st birthday. Dawson's Creek hadn’t even aired yet. This is how I will always see James innocent, kind and pure of heart," she continued. "What a journey we shared over the years. I sit here in immense gratitude for the special connection, friendship and love that James and I shared that has endured through decades."

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"I will treasure the last loving words we exchanged," said McComb. "James was a beautiful soul filled with so much light, love, talent, humor, depth, sensitivity, knowledge and a deep love of God that shined through him. He shined so bright yet was so humble and human. Always searching, always growing, always going deeper, always chasing things outside his comfort zone."

James Van Der Beek and Heather McComb on June 2, 2007

Jon Kopaloff/FilmMagic

McComb wrote that she knew Van Der Beek, who married Kimberly, 43, in 2010, "loved being a father so much" and "loved Kimberly with his everything," calling them "true soulmates."

"How [Kimberly] showed up for him with such grace is so beautiful and something I will forever admire," wrote McComb. "James was a blessing to all that knew him and because of his boldness to share his journey with the world so bravely is now a blessing to all."

James Van Der Beek and Kimberly on Sept. 30, 2023

Rick Kern/Getty

McComb added in her post, "I love you James. I know you had a lot of loved ones up there welcoming you home. God bless you. Till we meet again you sweet soul you. Prayers up."

The actress also encouraged her followers to consider donating to a GoFundMe set up for the Van Der Beek family — an online fundraiser that has already surpassed $1.5 million in contributions. The GoFundMe page says "Kimberly and the children are facing an uncertain future" after medical expenses "have left the family out of funds."

Diagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancer in 2023, James later publicly revealed the news in November 2024. "I’ve been privately dealing with this diagnosis and have been taking steps to resolve it, with the support of my incredible family,” the actor, then 47, told PEOPLE at the time.

When she announced news of Van Der Beek's death on Feb. 11, Kimberly wrote on Instagram: "Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning. 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. Those days will come. For now we ask for peaceful privacy as we grieve our loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend."

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Source: “AOL Entertainment”