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James Van Der Beek‘s household is coping with the monetary aftermath of his dying. After the late Dawson’s Creek alum, 48, died on Wednesday, February 11, following a prolonged battle with colorectal most cancersa GoFundMe web page was created to assist James’ household pay for the medical prices. As of Thursday, February 12, the fundraiser has reached greater than $1.6 million in donations.
“After a protracted and brave battle with most cancers, James handed away on February 11, 2026, forsaking his devoted spouse, Kimberlyand their six great youngsters,” the GoFundMe description reads. “All through his sickness, the household confronted not solely emotional challenges but in addition vital monetary pressure as they did every thing potential to assist James and supply for his care.”
The outline continues, “Within the wake of this loss, Kimberly and the kids are going through an unsure future. The prices of James’ medical care and the prolonged battle towards most cancers have left the household out of funds. They’re working laborious to remain of their residence and to make sure the kids can proceed their schooling and keep some stability throughout this extremely tough time. The assist of associates, household, and the broader neighborhood will make a world of distinction as they navigate the highway forward.”
Three months earlier than his dying, James auctioned off a few of his Varsity Blues and Dawson’s Creek memorabilia to repay his medical debt.
“I’ve been storing these treasures for years, ready for the suitable time to do one thing with them, and with all the current surprising twists and turns life has introduced lately, it’s clear that the time is now,” James stated in November 2025. “Whereas I’ve some nostalgia tugging at me as I half with this stuff, it feels good to have the ability to provide them by means of Propstore’s public sale to share with those that have supported my work over time.”
The merchandise consists of the necklace Dawson gave Joey for promenade, which was estimated to value between $26,400 to $52,800, in response to Individuals.
James had been preventing most cancers since receiving his analysis in 2023 however didn’t reveal it till November 2024.
“I’ve been coping with this privately till now, getting remedy and dialing in my general well being with better focus than ever earlier than,” the late WB star wrote by way of Instagram on the time. “I’m in an excellent place and feeling sturdy. It’s been fairly the initiation, and I’ll inform you extra after I’m prepared.”