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<\/p>\n James and Kimberly Van Der Beek\u2019s close friend, designer Erin Fetherston, was able to spend time with the actor in his final days.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n <\/p>\n \u201cExtra\u201d spoke with Erin, who got emotional about their last moments together.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n <\/p>\n She said, \u201cI\u2019m so grateful that I had the chance to do that and say goodbye and see him. Even at the end\u2026 he\u2019s still beautiful even after everything he\u2019s been through. He\u2019s still emanating his love.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/section>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m grateful I got to say goodbye in person and be there with the family and hug the beautiful children,\u201d Erin said. \u201cThere was a beautiful community around James and I think he really felt supported by all the love by all the people who could be there.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/section>\n <\/p>\n Erin called James \u201cauthentic\u201d till the very end, adding, \u201cIncluding people, making everyone a family, helping us all connect to one another, and he leaves behind this incredible legacy.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/section>\n <\/p>\n Erin also reacted to the GoFundMe that was created to help James\u2019 family after his passing, which has raised over $1.5 million in donations.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n She said, \u201cI\u2019m just so happy and grateful that so many people feel moved in their hearts the way that those of us who are close feel. There is a sincere, urgent need. The family has really been through it, and I just want to thank everyone on their behalf.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/section>\n <\/p>\n The amount of funds raised so far shows James\u2019 impact, according to Erin.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n <\/p>\n James leaves behind his wife Kimberly and their six kids.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n <\/p>\n Erin stressed, \u201cThese are six children who are facing life without a father. Their amazing mother Kimberly has been a devoted wife and mom. She\u2019s had six children and been public about losing babies along the way. She has been in the space of motherhood and supporting James all of these years. Now she\u2019s really left to pick up the pieces.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/section>\n <\/p>\n Fetherston added, \u201cBy supporting them, you\u2019re helping them just maintain some stability in their life after going through a terribly challenging, painful, and heartbreaking journey that has ended in the loss of their father. You will be helping them to stay in the home that they\u2019re at.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/section>\n <\/p>\n Erin pointed out that James wasn\u2019t able to work for the past two years during his cancer battle.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n <\/p>\n James was diagnosed with stage 3 cancer in 2023 at age 46 after requesting a colonoscopy.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n <\/p>\n Erin is choosing to remember James as \u201chumble\u201d and someone who was \u201cliving life from the heart.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/section>\n <\/p>\n She added, \u201cHe left everyone else come on for the ride\u2026 He was so sincere\u2026 loving\u2026 accomplished\u2026 He was just so kind.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/section>\n <\/p>\n
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