Particle.news

James Van Der Beek’s Final Days: Private Vow Renewal, New Scrutiny of Family Finances

Friends say donations will help his widow keep their six children housed after costly cancer care.

Overview

  • The Dawson’s Creek actor died on Feb. 11 at 48, his wife Kimberly announced on Instagram.
  • In a People interview, she described renewing their vows from his bed with flowers, new rings, family present and live music by friend Poranguí, with others joining by Zoom.
  • A GoFundMe launched by friends has raised roughly $2.6–$2.8 million, with gifts from figures including Steven Spielberg, Zoë Saldaña and director Jon M. Chu.
  • The fundraising drew online criticism; actor Mehcad Brooks, a close friend, publicly defended the family and urged detractors to show empathy.
  • Coverage has also resurfaced reported IRS tax liabilities of about $269,000 from 2018–2019 and noted late‑2025 memorabilia auctions, as well as reports that he made a Jan. 9 payment toward buying the Texas ranch his family had rented.