James Van Der Beek’s Widow Kimberly and 6 Kids Face Financial Struggles After His Death

The family of late actor James Van Der Beek is facing an uncertain road ahead following his death at 48.

Van Der Beek’s wife, Kimberly Van Der Beek, and their six children are struggling financially after his long battle with stage 3 colorectal cancer. According to a GoFundMe page created by friends of the family, the cost of his medical care and extended treatment left them without savings.

“In the wake of this loss, Kimberly and the children are facing an uncertain future,” the fundraiser description reads. “The costs of James’s medical care and the extended fight against cancer have left the family out of funds.”

The page explains that Kimberly is working to keep the family in their home and provide stability for their children during an incredibly painful time. Donations will go toward essential living expenses, household bills and the children’s education.

“Every donation, no matter the size, will help Kimberly and her family find hope and security as they rebuild their lives,” the message adds.

Van Der Beek died on Wednesday, Feb. 11, due to complications from stage 3 colorectal cancer. Kimberly announced the heartbreaking news on Instagram.

“Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning,” she wrote. “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 actor, best known for his breakout role in the late ’90s teen drama “Dawson’s Creek,” was first diagnosed in August 2023. He publicly revealed his illness in November 2024, sharing that he had been privately undergoing treatment with the support of his family.

“I have colorectal cancer,” he said 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.”

Van Der Beek and Kimberly shared six children: daughters Olivia, 15, Annabel, 12, Emilia, 9½, and Gwendolyn, 7, and sons Joshua, 13, and Jeremiah, 4.

Just months before his diagnosis became public, Van Der Beek spoke about fatherhood, calling life with six kids a “humbling” experience. He admitted that parenting often brought chaos, but said it was deeply rewarding.

“When you think you’ve got it down, you get one that throws a curveball at you,” he said in a 2023 interview. “And it’s regulating our own emotions when things do get hectic and chaos ensues, which is inevitable at times.”

He said his greatest joy was watching his children care for one another.

“They all take care of each other,” he shared. “Sometimes they step in to help solve problems of their own volition. And the moment I see them looking after their baby brother, I really feel like, ‘Oh man, for whatever I’ve done wrong, I’m doing something right here.’ ”

Now, as Kimberly and the children grieve, friends say community support could make a meaningful difference in helping them stay afloat during a time of unimaginable loss.