Despite James Van Der Beek’s reported net worth of $3 million, his friends set up a GoFundMe following his heartbreaking death, noting that his medical expenses have “starved[his]family of funds.”
The beloved “Dawson’s Creek” alum passed away Wednesday after battling colorectal cancer since August 2023. A GoFundMe created on Wednesday says his wife, Kimberly, and their six children – Olivia, 14, Joshua, 13, Annabelle, 12, Emilia, 8, Gwendolyn, 6, and Jeremiah, 3 – are now “facing an uncertain future.”
“Throughout his illness, the family did everything possible to support James and provide for his care, facing not only emotional challenges but also significant financial burdens,” the GoFundMe page reads.
“In the wake of this loss, Kimberly and her children face an uncertain future. James’ medical bills and long battle with cancer have left the family short on funds. They are staying home and working hard to help their children continue their education and maintain some stability during this incredibly difficult time.”
GoFundMe shares that donations will help families cover essential living expenses, pay bills, and support children’s education.
In just an hour after the GoFundMe was created, more than $42,000 had been raised.
Kimberly shared a link to the GoFundMe on her Instagram Story.
“My friends have created this link to support me and my children during this time. I want to express my gratitude and heartbreak,” she said in a statement on the GoFundMe organizer.
In another Instagram post, Kimberly revealed that her husband passed away peacefully on Wednesday morning.
“He met his final days with courage, faith and grace,” she said. “There is so much to share about his wishes, his love for humanity, and the sanctity of time. That day will come. For now, we ask for peaceful privacy as we grieve for our beloved husband, father, son, brother, and friend.”
Last December, Van Der Beek auctioned off some of her “Dawson’s Creek” memorabilia, including the outfit her character Dawson wore in the show’s pilot and the necklace she gave Katie Holmes’ character Joey Potter in the prom episode, to help fund cancer treatment.
All proceeds from the auction helped ease the financial burden of the actor and his family’s fight against cancer.
“I’ve been storing these treasures for years, waiting for the right time to do something with them, and given all of the unexpected twists and turns that life has presented me with recently, it’s clear that now is the time,” he told People about the decision in November 2025.
“There is a sense of nostalgia when I part with these items, but I am happy to be able to offer them through the Prop Store auction and share them with those who have supported my work over the years.”
