Overview
- Friends set up a GoFundMe for Kimberly Van Der Beek and the couple’s six children, with multiple outlets reporting totals above $2 million and as high as $2.5 million.
- Reported donors include Steven Spielberg and Kate Capshaw with a $25,000 gift, alongside broad support from fans and peers.
- Defenses of the fundraiser cite James Van Der Beek’s 2012 statement that he received little-to-no Dawson’s Creek residuals, reports that the family rented their farm, and testimony about high cancer costs even with insurance.
- James Van Der Beek died on Feb. 11 at age 48 from stage III colorectal cancer, and his family asked for privacy as they grieve.
- His brother Jared shared an emotional Instagram tribute describing profound heartbreak and gratitude for the outpouring of support, while outlets resurfaced a 2022 interview where James called his youngest son a blessing.