James Van Der Beek Tribute: Father of Six's Final Moments and Ex-Wife's Touching Words

From bedside photographs taken in his final hours to reflections on sunset conversations and shared faith, the outpouring of grief has offered a rare glimpse into the actor's last chapter.

In light of James Van Der Beek's recent passing, friends, former co-stars, and loved ones have taken to Instagram to honour the actor. They have shared memories of his final days, reflected on the legacy he leaves behind, and painted a portrait of a devoted father, husband, and friend.

A Wave of Grief Across Instagram

Actor Alfonso Ribeiro was among the first to speak publicly. On February 11, 2026, he described Van Der Beek as a "true friend, brother, and life guide," reflecting on the emotional highs and lows of his cancer battle.

Ribeiro pledged to remain present for the late actor's children and said he would forever carry him in his heart. On February 13, Ribeiro returned to Instagram with a second tribute.

This time, he revealed that the touching image in the post had been taken just minutes before he said his final goodbye. The timing alone underscored the depth of their friendship and the reality of those final moments.

Designer Erin Fetherston also shared a heartfelt message on February 11, remembering Van Der Beek not as a television icon but as Uncle James.

Actress Heather McComb, who was married to Van Der Beek from 2003 to 2010 and starred alongside him in "Dawson's Creek," posted on February 12.

She recalled how he showed up without hesitation — from helping bury a beloved pet in the middle of the night to being among the first to visit when her children were born.

Fetherston wrote that although the space he leaves behind could never be filled, she and her family would continue to surround his loved ones with support and "keep dancing" in his honour.

Professional wrestler and cheerleader Stacy Keibler offered a deeply personal reflection that same day. She described spending time with the actor in his final days, watching sunsets, holding hands, and discussing faith and the sacredness of time.

Keibler praised the way Van Der Beek showed up for his wife, Kimberly Van Der Beek, and their six children — steady and devoted — and suggested his spirit would continue to guide them. Her words painted a portrait of quiet courage in the face of terminal illness.

Actress Heather McComb, who was married to Van Der Beek from 2003 to 2010 and starred alongside him in "Dawson's Creek," posted on February 12.

Sharing a photograph taken on her 21st birthday, before the series had even aired, she remembered him as "innocent, kind, and pure of heart." McComb spoke about their decades-long friendship, his deep faith, and the profound love he had for his family.

His Final Messages to the World

In the weeks before his death, Van Der Beek's social media presence was reflective and grounded. His final Instagram post, shared on January 26, 2026, marked a joint birthday celebration for his father and daughter — a post that now stands as his last public words.

In the message, he marvelled at their shared warmth, creativity, and gentle nature, writing that the world was better because they were in it. The late actor also wrote:

"Different senes [sic] of humor, but you both have a way of alchemizing the vibe around you in such a subtle way one can almost miss how powerfully you do this. In this crazy world, it's a wonder to me that you've managed to stay so open, so tender, and so genuinely good."

10 days earlier, on January 16, Van Der Beek uploaded what would become his final video. Speaking directly to the camera, he questioned the cultural pressure to make New Year's resolutions in winter, suggesting renewal made more sense in spring, when nature itself begins again.

Calm and lightly humorous, he encouraged followers to rest rather than fight the season. In hindsight, the message carries added poignancy.

Shortly before his death, Van Der Beek also recorded a personalised Cameo message for a fan. In a Valentine's greeting later shared on TikTok, he expressed hope that if another "Dawson's Creek" reunion were to happen, he would be there. The brief clip — simple and sincere — has since been widely reshared as his quiet final wish.

Cancer Battle and the Family He Cherished

In recent years, Van Der Beek was candid about reshaping his life around what mattered most. In 2020, he and his family moved from Los Angeles to Texas, explaining that the change allowed them to build a deeper connection with nature and spend more time outdoors.

The move came during a two-year break from acting and reflected a shift in priorities. "We've got a great spot where we can go watch the sun go down, and the kids can play," he shared.

Then, in November 2024, it was confirmed that he had been diagnosed with colorectal cancer. At the time, he said he had been privately managing the illness with the support of his family and added:

"There's reason for optimism, and I'm feeling good."

Fortunately, by August 2025, the "Dawson's Creek" star returned to his craft and, during an interview, spoke about how the diagnosis had reignited his passion for acting.

"And then when I got cancer, and I looked around at the world and where my place is in it and wanting to stay in it, I realized I love to tell stories. I really am so grateful for this opportunity to write and to act," Van Der Beek revealed.

In the same interview, the actor said he was "more in love than ever" with his wife and often celebrated their love, including in a 2024 birthday tribute in her honor that read in part, "I would not be half the man I am without you." He was also a loving father, once stating:

"Being a father has been the most treasured honor of my life. Thank you to my kids for re-teaching me how to live, laugh, love, and show up in my own life and in the world."

Sadly, on February 11, 2026, his family confirmed his passing in a statement, saying, "Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning. He met his final days with courage, faith, and grace." They asked for privacy as they grieve their husband, father, son, brother, and friend.

As tributes continue to surface, the collective grief speaks to a life lived with intention, faith, and fierce devotion to family. Though his career introduced him to millions, those closest to James Van Der Beek have made clear that his greatest legacy lies not on screen, but in the love he gave.