Overview
- Speaking on NBC's Today roughly a month after his friend's death, Jackson said the loss "hits in different ways" and that his processing is ongoing.
- He remembered Van Der Beek as a principled, kind presence and a deeply engaged father and husband.
- Jackson linked the tragedy to his advocacy for early detection through the NHL and AstraZeneca's Get Body Checked Against Cancer campaign, urging men to see their doctors.
- James Van Der Beek died on February 11, 2026 at age 48 from stage 3 colon cancer after publicly revealing his diagnosis in November 2024; he is survived by six children.
- In recent days, nine-year-old daughter Emilia posted an Instagram video offering candid advice on coping with grief, and wife Kimberly shared remembrance photos honoring him.