Friends of the late James Van Der Beek shared an update on his grieving family after a GoFundMe raised more than $2 million.
“Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for showing up for James and his beautiful family,” friends of the Van Der Beeks wrote in a statement posted to the fundraiser page Thursday night.
“Your kindness has meant more than we can put into words. In the middle of deep grief, your support has been a light. It reminds us that love is real, that community is strong, and that James’s spirit continues to bring people together.”
The family’s loved ones explained that his widow, Kimberly, and their six kids are “taking time to mourn” with each other.
“We kindly ask members of the media and the public to give them space and privacy as they walk through this painful season,” they wrote. “Your respect and understanding will give them the room they need to heal.”
The friends asked that fans keep Kimberly and all of James’ loved ones in their thoughts and prayers.
“Thank you for honoring his life with compassion, generosity, and love,” the statement concluded.
The GoFundMe page was created Wednesday, with an initial goal of $500,000. By Friday, the fundraiser had surpassed $2 million in donations.
Organizers said the funds would go toward the family’s “essential living expenses” as well as their bills and children’s education.
Several celebrities contributed, including Zoe Saldaña, who set up a recurring donation of $2,500 a month, as well as Derek Hough, Ricki Lake, Lydia Hearst and Kaley Cuoco.
Steven Spielberg, who was the idol of James’ character Dawson Leary in “Dawson’s Creek,” donated $25,000.
The “Varsity Blues” star died Wednesday after battling colorectal cancer. He was 48.
“He met his final days with courage, faith, and grace,” Kimberly wrote in a statement.
James announced his cancer diagnosis in November 2024 — nearly a year after doctors told him about the illness.
To help pay for his cancer treatment, James auctioned off memorabilia from “Dawson’s Creek” and “Varsity Blues” last November.
The late TV star struggled financially in his final months due to medical bills and being unable to work amid his cancer battle. He also received “very little in residuals” from the CW drama, which aired from 1998 to 2003.
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