James Van Der Beek’s widow, Kimberly Van Der Beek, has paid emotional tribute to Eric Dane, just over a week after losing her husband.
“Rest in peace, @realericdane. We love you,” Kimberly, 44, posted on her Instagram Stories on Saturday, tagging Dane’s widow Rebecca Gayheart.
“I miss our friends laughing together at Christmas parties.”
Along with kind words, Kimberly reposted a photo of the two couples posing together at the Chrysalis Butterfly Ball in June 2017.
Dane passed away on Thursday, February 19th at the age of 53 after a short battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
The actor’s family announced his death in a statement to People magazine, praising the actor’s “courageous” fight against the neurodegenerative disease.
“Eric’s journey with ALS has made him a passionate advocate for awareness and research, determined to make a difference for others facing the same battle,” the statement continued. “He will be greatly missed and will always be remembered with fondness.”
“Eric loves his fans and is forever grateful for the outpouring of love and support he has received. His family requests privacy as they work through this impossible time.”
In his final days, he was surrounded by “dear friends, his devoted wife (Rebecca Gayheart), and his two beautiful daughters, Billie and Georgia,” who were the center of his world, the statement said.
The “Dawson’s Creek” alum passed away on February 11 at the age of 48 after a nearly three-year battle with colorectal cancer.
His wife Kimberly Van Der Beek confirmed the “beloved” actor’s death in a statement on Instagram.
“Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed away peacefully this morning,” Kimberly wrote.
“He met his final days with courage, faith, and grace. He has much to share about his wishes, his love for humanity, and the sacredness of time. That day will come.”
