Friends of the late James Van Der Beek have shared an update on their grieving family after a GoFundMe raised more than $2 million.
“Thank you so much for coming to see James and his beautiful family,” friends of the van der Beeks wrote in a statement posted on the fundraising page Thursday night.
“Your kindness meant more than we can express. In the midst of deep grief, your support was a light. It reminds us that love is real, community is strong, and the spirit of James continues to bring people together.”
Loved ones of the family said his widow, Kimberly, and their six children were “taking a moment to mourn.”
“We ask members of the media and the public to give us space and privacy during this difficult time,” they wrote. “Your respect and understanding gives them space to heal.”
Friends asked fans to 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.
A GoFundMe page was created Wednesday with an initial goal of $500,000. By Friday, the fundraiser had raised more than $2 million in donations.
Organizers said the money would go toward the families’ “essential living expenses,” as well as bills and children’s education costs.
Several celebrities have donated, including Zoe Saldaña, who has set up a monthly donation of $2,500, as well as Derek Hough, Ricki Lake, Lydia Hearst and Kaley Cuoco.
Steven Spielberg, who was the idol of James’ character Dawson Leary on “Dawson’s Creek,” donated $25,000.
The Varsity Blues star passed away Wednesday after a battle with colorectal cancer. He was 48 years old.
“He lived his final days with courage, faith and grace,” Kimberly said in a statement.
James announced his cancer diagnosis in November 2024. It’s been almost a year since my doctor told me about my illness.
To help pay for cancer treatment, James auctioned off his “Dawson’s Creek” and “Varsity Blues” memorabilia last November.
The late TV star struggled financially in his final months as he was unable to work amid medical bills and a battle with cancer. He also “received very little residual pay” from the CW drama, which aired from 1998 to 2003.
