James Van Der Beek’s brother, Jared Van Der Beek, is paying tribute to the late actor with an emotional, deeply personal message.
On Feb. 11, James’ wife, Kimberly Van Der Beek, confirmed that her husband had “passed away peacefully” and had “met his final days with courage, faith, and grace.” His death came three years after he was diagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancer at age 48.
Two days later, Jared, 47, took to Instagram to honor his brother with a moving message.
“There’s a special bond that exists between brothers and two days ago, that physical bond was broken,” he wrote. “I now know why people call it heartbreak when you lose someone close to you. There is a feeling of devastation and pain that runs so deep in the heart, I didn’t know it would hurt so badly.”
In the post, Jared described James as his “person” and “the one I went to for any and all things,” highlighting the closeness they shared throughout their lives.
The brothers grew up together in Connecticut with their sister Juliana. Jared’s tribute included photos of the siblings alongside their parents, James William Van Der Beek Sr. and the late Melinda Weber.
“I’ve looked up to him since I was born. He has never failed to be there for me whenever I needed him. It has been wonderful reading and seeing how he touched so many lives not because of something he did, but because of who he was,” Jared continued, adding that James “shared with an open heart and with his wise soul.”
He also expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support the family has received since James’ passing.
“As painful as this pain deep in the heart is, the healing has already begun with all the outpouring of love, prayers, and support. I truly thank all of you have taken the time to reach out, letting me know that you’re there,” he wrote, while also thanking “the community” that supported them during James’ final days.
Jared ended his tribute with a heartfelt message directly to his brother.
“James, I already miss your physical being and your words of wisdom over the phone. Yet, I also feel your presence so strongly and I know you will continue to be guiding me. Thank you for living your life with me. I love you,” he concluded.
Following the announcement of James’ death, close friends launched a fundraiser through GoFundMe to honor his memory and “help cover essential living expenses, pay bills, and support the children’s education.”
James and Kimberly share six children: daughters Olivia, 15, Annabel, 12, Emilia, 9, and Gwen, 7, along with sons Joshua, 13, and Jeremiah, 4.
Within less than two days, the fundraiser surpassed $2.2 million, reflecting the widespread support and love for the late actor and his family.
Read the full article here
