James Van Der Beek’s passing has shaken the entertainment world and left his family and loved ones heartbroken. The actor had been courageously fighting colorectal cancer when his journey came to an end.
Van Der Beek passed away on February 11 at 48 after a two-year battle with colorectal cancer. Just hours after his wife, Kimberly, confirmed the devastating news, friends began sharing details about his final weeks with The Daily Mail, revealing that Van Der Beek spent them in hospice care, surrounded by the family he cherished most.
Friends Describe James Van Der Beek’s Final Weeks in Hospice
Just hours after the news of his death became public, a source who spoke to the Daily Mail described the physical toll of his final weeks.
“James was in hospice for several weeks, and he was rail thin when he passed,” the source said. “He was mostly in bed because he was very weak, and he was not eating.”
According to the source, the actor who once filled rooms with energy and humor grew increasingly fragile as his illness progressed.
“He was in hospice, they held his hand and were there for him, of course, but it has been hard because James was so ill, he was weak,” the source continued.
“He had so much charisma, he was a wonderful soul, and his presence is missed. Those poor little kids.”
The source added, “This is very hard for the family, they are totally broken over his passing because he was the patriarch, he was the leader. There are puddles of tears everywhere, and it all falls on Kimberly’s shoulders.”
Kimberly Van Der Beek’s Emotional Statement
“Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning,” Kimberly 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.”
Van Der Beek leaves behind Kimberly and their six children, Olivia, Joshua, Annabel, Emilia, Gwendolyn, and Jeremiah. The family had settled on a ranch near Austin, Texas, after leaving Los Angeles in 2020.
Those close to them say the loss has shaken the household to its core.
Family Life in Texas and the Weight of Loss
Friends described Van Der Beek as the emotional anchor of his household, the steady presence everyone leaned on. Now, those closest to him say that his absence is felt in every corner of their home.
According to the source, the children stayed close as his strength waned. Kimberly stood beside him through it all, while also holding their large family together during the most difficult stretch of his illness.
Throughout his cancer journey, Van Der Beek spoke openly about how much his wife meant to him. He often called her his rock, crediting her resilience and love as the foundation that carried him through his hardest days.
Financial Strain and His Public Cancer Journey
The fight against stage 3 colorectal cancer did not only take an emotional toll. It also placed heavy financial pressure on the family. After his passing, Kimberly shared a fundraiser created by a close friend to help stabilize their future.
The page notes that she “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,” the message reads.
“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.”
It continues, “Your generosity will help cover essential living expenses, pay bills, and support the children’s education. Every donation, no matter the size, will help Kimberly and her family find hope and security as they rebuild their lives.”
What James Van Der Beek Said About Cancer Journey and Kimberly’s Support
Van Der Beek first learned of his diagnosis in 2023 and chose to speak publicly about it in November 2024.
“I have colorectal cancer. I’ve been privately dealing with this diagnosis and have been taking steps to resolve it, with the support of my incredible family,” he revealed in an interview with People at the time. “There’s reason for optimism, and I’m feeling good.”
In a later appearance on “Good Morning America,” he spoke candidly about Kimberly’s unwavering support.
“She’s been amazing. She’s really taught me what unconditional love is,” he said.
“I’m someone who has always in the past tried to do everything for everybody and never asked for help myself, and this has put me in a position of having to ask for help but having to receive help, and the beautiful blessing of that has been seeing how many people in my life have shown up.”
He remained open about the realities of treatment during a visit to “Today.”
“Cancer is — I call it a full-time job,” he shared. “I’m just on the journey. It’s a process. It’ll probably be a process for the rest of my life.”
He added that the illness changed his pace. “I’m finding the beauty of just taking things a little bit more slowly and prioritizing rest and really allowing that to be the job.”
Those who stood beside him say he approached his final chapter the same way he faced his diagnosis. With faith. With gratitude. And with his family close, holding his hand.
