Overview
- James Van Der Beek died on February 11 at age 48 after stage III colorectal cancer, his family said in a statement.
- The friends-organized GoFundMe says treatment costs left the family out of funds and is raising money for essential expenses, housing stability, and the children’s education, reaching about $2.6 million.
- Property records reported by Realtor.com show an off‑market purchase of the family’s 36‑acre Spicewood, Texas ranch on January 9 for about $4.76 million through an LLC.
- Named donors to the fundraiser include Steven Spielberg, Zoe Saldaña, Derek Hough, and director Jon M. Chu, according to multiple outlets.
- Supporters counter criticism of the fundraiser by noting Van Der Beek’s prior statement that he received almost no Dawson’s Creek residuals and by citing the high cost of cancer care.