The “Dawson’s Creek” star died at 48, after battling colorectal cancer.

James Van Der Beek’s widow asks for help to support their 6 kids after his death: Family ‘out of funds’

The "Dawson's Creek" star died at 48, after battling colorectal cancer.

By Raechal Shewfelt

Raechal Shewfelt

Raechal Shewfelt is a writer at **. She has been working at EW since 2024. Her work has previously appeared on Yahoo and in American *Journalism Review* and *The Shreveport Times*.

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February 11, 2026 9:05 p.m. ET

James and Kimberly Van Der Beek with their children. Credit:

James Van Der Beek/Instagram

There's a lot of love for James Van Der Beek out there.

Friends of the late *Dawson's Creek* star and his widow, Kimberly Van Der Beek, have started a GoFundMe drive for his family, following his death Wednesday at 48, which came after a struggle with colorectal cancer.

Kimberly shared a link to the fundraiser on social media, noting that people wanted to "support me and our children during this time." She added that she had both "gratitude and a broken heart."**

Kimberly and James Van Der Beek in 2023.

Rick Kern/Getty

As of Wednesday night, the fundraiser was well on its way to the $1 million goal, and the thousands of donors included celebrities such as fellow *Dancing With the Stars* alums Ricki Lake and Derek Hough. An anonymous donor had contributed $20,000, and multiple donations of $10,000 had been received.

Organizer Jason K wrote in the description that Van Der Beek's family had "faced not only emotional challenges but also significant financial strain as they did everything possible to support James and provide for his care."

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He also explained, "In the wake of this loss, Kimberly and the children are facing an uncertain future. The costs of James's medical care and the extended fight against cancer have left the family out of funds. They are working hard to stay in their home and to ensure the children can continue their education and maintain some stability during this incredibly difficult time. The support of friends, family, and the wider community will make a world of difference as they navigate the road ahead."

The donations would be used to pay for the family's "essential living expenses, pay bills, and support the children’s education," the organizer wrote. "Every donation, no matter the size, will help Kimberly and her family find hope and security as they rebuild their lives. Thank you for considering a gift to support them."

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James and Kimberly, a producer, married in 2010 after meeting in Israel, according to PEOPLE. Together they welcomed six children: Olivia, 15; Joshua, 13; Annabel, 12; Emilia, 9; Gwendolyn, 7; and Jeremiah, 4.

On Wednesday, Kimberly broke the sad news of her husband's death. "Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning," she wrote. "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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