Tragic news came on Wednesday, February 11, that James Van Der Beek died at the age of 49 following a long battle with stage III colorectal cancer. He is survived by his wife, Kimberly, and their six children. Following the news of his death, a GoFundMe was created with his wife listed as the beneficiary.
With a goal of $1 million, the fundraiser revealed the immense toll his illness had taken on the family financially. “Throughout his illness, the family faced not only emotional challenges but also significant financial strain as they did everything possible to support James and provide for his care,” it reads.
According to the fundraiser, the family is now facing “an uncertain future,” noting that the cost of James’ medical care and the length of his cancer battle ultimately depleted the family’s funds.
© Variety“They are working hard to stay in their home and to ensure the children can continue their education and maintain some stability,” the fundraiser reads, emphasizing how crucial outside support from “friends, family, and the wider community” is.
Donations will go toward immediate and long-term necessities. “Your generosity will help cover essential living expenses, pay bills, and support the children’s education,” the page continues, adding that every contribution, regardless of size, will help the family begin to rebuild.
© GettyIn 6 hours, the fundraiser earned over $600,000. At the time of this publication, the top donation is $20,000 from an anonymous donor.
The actor passed away peacefully on the morning of February 11, 2026, according to a statement shared by his family. “Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning,” the message read. “He met his final days with courage, faith, and grace.” The Travis County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed he was pronounced dead at 6:44 a.m.
Kimberly later acknowledged the fundraiser in an Instagram Story, writing simply: “With gratitude and a broken heart.”
In his words
The actor first revealed his cancer diagnosis in November 2024, telling People at the time, “I’ve been privately dealing with this diagnosis and have been taking steps to resolve it, with the support of my incredible family. There’s reason for optimism, and I’m feeling good.” The disease was discovered after a colonoscopy in August 2023.
© GettyHe opened up about his experience almost a year ago on Instagram in a personal video, describing the past year as “the hardest of my life.” In it, he reflected on how cancer stripped away the identities he once relied on. “When I was younger, I used to define myself as an actor, which was never all that fulfilling,” he said.
“Then I became a husband, and it was much better. And then I became a father, and that was the ultimate.” Treatment required him to live alone in an apartment, away from his family, a separation that forced him to confront his mortality in new ways. “I could no longer be a husband who was helpful to my wife. I could no longer be a father who could pick up his kids, put them to bed, and be there for them. I could not be a provider because I wasn’t working,” he shared.
At his lowest point, he found himself asking a painful question: “If I am just a too-skinny, weak guy, alone in an apartment with cancer, what am I?”
What followed, he said, was a spiritual reckoning – one rooted less in doctrine than in self-worth. “I am worthy of God’s love simply because I exist,” Van Der Beek said. “And if I’m worthy of God’s love, shouldn’t I also be worthy of my own?”
He framed the message broadly, offering it to anyone regardless of belief. “If it’s a trigger that feels too religious, you can take the word God out,” he told viewers. “And it can simply be, ‘I am worthy of love.’ Because you are.”
Rest in peace.
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