Family situation after the passing of Dawson’s Creek star James Van Der Beek

• James Van Der Beek, beloved for his role as Dawson Leery, died on February 11, 2026 at the age of 48 after a long battle with stage 3 colorectal cancer. His widow Kimberly Van Der Beek confirmed his death on social media. 

• The actor is survived by his wife Kimberly and their six children: Olivia (15), Joshua (13), Annabel (12), Emilia (9½), Gwendolyn (7), and Jeremiah (4). 

• According to a GoFundMe campaign set up by friends and shared by Kimberly, the family has run out of funds following the high costs of James’s medical care and prolonged fight against cancer. The fundraiser describes the family as facing an “uncertain future”, with Kimberly working to keep their home and ensure stability — including covering living expenses, bills, and the children’s education — now that James has passed.

• Friends and supporters set an initial fundraising goal of around $500,000, which in many reports was quickly surpassed — and in some cases increased to $1 million — as thousands of donors contributed within hours of the campaign launching. 

• The funds are intended to help the family cover essential expenses in the absence of James’s income and to give the children some measure of security during a deeply difficult time. 

• James was admired not only for his on-screen work but also for how openly he shared his cancer journey, raising awareness and even selling Dawson’s Creek and Varsity Blues memorabilia to help fund his treatments. 

• Tributes from friends and colleagues have highlighted both his impact as an actor and the emotional weight of losing him so young, especially for his large young family.