James Van Der Beek’s ex-wife Heather McComb has honored her “special connection” and “friendship” with the late “Dawson’s Creek” star in a touching tribute.
“Thank you to everyone who has reached out. We appreciate and feel your love. Our hearts are broken by the loss of our beloved James,” the actress posted on Instagram Thursday.
McComb, who died Wednesday at the age of 48 after a battle with colorectal cancer, and Van Der Beek were married from 2003 to 2009.
“I am especially heartbroken for his wonderful wife Kimberly, his beautiful children, and his wonderful family, Jim, Jared, Julianna, and all of his family and friends that I know he loved deeply,” McComb, 48, continued.
McComb released a tribute on his 21st birthday, with a black-and-white photo of the two of them, before the premiere of “Dawson’s Creek.”
“And so I will always see James as the innocent, kind, and pure-hearted man he is. What a journey we have shared over the years. I sit here with immense gratitude for the special connection, friendship, and love that James and I shared that has endured over the decades.”
McComb added that he would “treasure” the last words the two exchanged.
“James was a beautiful soul filled with so much light, love, talent, humor, depth, sensitivity, knowledge, and a deep love for God that shone through him. He shone so brightly, yet so humble and human. Always exploring, always growing, always going deeper, always pursuing things outside of his comfort zone.”
Van der Beek married his wife Kimberly in 2010 and they have since welcomed six children: Olivia, 15, Joshua, 13, Annabelle, 12, Emilia, 9, Gwendolyn, 7, and Jeremiah, 4.
McComb gushed about his love for the Varsity Blues star’s wife and children, saying, “The way[Kimberly]showed up for him with such grace was so beautiful and something I will forever admire.”
“James was a blessing to all who knew him, and now all are a blessing because of his boldness in sharing his journey with the world. I love you James and know that so many loved ones have welcomed you home. God bless you. Until we meet again, kind-hearted soul, please keep him in your prayers.”
The “Nobody Tells Me” actress also asked her followers to consider donating to a GoFundMe page for van der Beek’s family.
“James’ family means everything to him and we ask that you please help support them during this difficult season,” McComb wrote.
A GoFundMe was set up Wednesday by friends of the ’90s fanatic and has received more than $1 million in donations.
Kimberly, 44, announced the news of Van Der Beek’s death in a joint statement on Instagram on Wednesday.
The heartbreaking post read: “Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed away peacefully this morning.”
“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.”
Heartfelt tributes quickly poured in, with actress Jamie-Lynn Sigler writing, “We are the luckiest to be part of his tribe. Fly high, James. You were all good in this world. ❤️.”
Sarah Michelle Gellar commented: “I feel so sad for your beautiful family.” “James’ legacy will live on forever, but this is a great loss, not only to your family, but to the world. Fk Cancer.”
Katie Holmes, who co-starred with Van Der Beek on Dawson’s Creek for six seasons from 1998 to 2003, paid tribute to her former co-star on her social media pages.
“A few words made with a heavy heart,” the 47-year-old actress captioned a photo of the handwritten message. “This is a lot to process. We are so grateful to be a part of James’ journey. He is loved. Kimberly, we love you and will always be here for you and your beautiful children.”
Holmes highlighted van der Beek’s “compassion, courage, selflessness, and strength” and expressed his “appreciation for life through the integrity that life is art.”
Van der Beek was first diagnosed with colorectal cancer in 2023 and announced his diagnosis in November 2024.
Van der Beek died surrounded by friends and family, including his close friend Mehcad Brooks.
“One of the greatest honors of my life was being able to be there every day for the last four or five days, holding his hand, praying with him, telling him jokes, telling him how much I love him and singing to him,” the “Law & Order” star shared in an Instagram video on Wednesday.
