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James Van Der Beek dead: Cause of death after heartbreaking health battle
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James Van Der Beek, known for playing Dawson Leery on the hit 1990s show Dawson’s Creek, has died following a battle with cancer, his wife confirmed
Everything we know as James Van Der Beek dies aged 48
- James Van Der Beek has died aged 48. His wife, Kimberley Van Der Beek, revealed the news on February 11, stating that he had died that morning and that he “met his final days with courage, faith and grace”.
- “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,” the post said.
- The actor’s death was reported to the Travis County Medical Examiner’s Office, and no cause of death was given. However, he had been diagnosed with colorectal cancer in August 2023. James did not share his diagnosis with the world until over a year later in November 2024.
- In prior interviews, James had explained that he noticed changes in his bowel movements and decided to see a doctor. His tests revealed he had stage three cancer that had spread to his lymph nodes.
- The costs of his ongoing treatment were estimated to be astronomical, particularly as the actor had announced he would be auctioning off personal items from Dawson’s Creek and Varsity Blues to help cover his medical bills last November. In the auction, he sold off the outfit he wore in the first episode of Dawson’s Creek, which was expected to sell for up to £3,000, and a necklace Dawson gave to his girlfriend, Joey, which was estimated to go for around £40,000.
- James was due to reunite with his Dawson’s Creek castmates in September last year, but made the decision to withdraw due to ongoing health issues.
READ THE FULL STORY – James Van Der Beek dead: Dawson’s Creek star dies aged 48 as family pay tearful tribute
For more information or support about bowel cancer, you can contact Macmillan Cancer Support or you can call 020 7940 1760 for advice.
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