Dawson’s Creek star James Van Der Beek spent his final weeks in a hospice with those close to the actor saying it was hard to watch his deterioration prior to his death
Friends close to James Van Der Beek have revealed his tragic final days before the actor’s death aged 48. The Dawson’s Creek star died after being diagnosed with colorectal cancer.
His death comes just weeks after the star shared an empowering New Year ‘s Resolution message. He said at the time: “Why are we celebrating a New Year in the dead of winter? The time to celebrate a new beginning, and a new you, and a new resolution, is the spring.”
Sadly, on Wednesday, James’ family released a statement to say he had died following his two year cancer battle. And now, those close to him have shared how his final days in hospice saw him grow very weak.
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A source told Daily Mail that, despite his public optimism, James realised time was running out. The insider said: “James was on hospice for several weeks and he was rail thin when he passed. He was mostly in bed because he was very weak, and he was not eating.”
They added it had become increasingly hard to watch the actor’s deterioration. “He was in hospice, they held his hand and were there for him, of course,” they said.
“But it has been hard because James was so ill, he was weak, He had so much charisma, he was a wonderful soul, and his presence is missed. Those poor little kids.”
James was a dad to six children – Olivia, 15, Joshua, 13, Annabel, 12, Emilia, nine, Gwendolyn, seven, and Jeremiah, four – with his wife, Kimberly. The family had been living on a ranch near Austin, Texas, after deciding to quit Los Angeles in 2020.
Another source claimed the actor simply wanted “peace” in the last few weeks of his life. He had reportedly been told for a while that his cancer was aggressive and no more could be done.
A GoFundMe page has been launched to try to help the family with “essential living expenses”. The description on the page reads: “In the wake of this loss, Kimberly and the children are facing an uncertain future.
“The costs of James’s medical care and the extended fight against cancer have left the family out of funds. They are working hard to stay in their home and to ensure the children can continue their education and maintain some stability during this incredibly difficult time.
“The support of friends, family, and the wider community will make a world of difference as they navigate the road ahead.”
Within 24 hours, the page had raised over $1million. A number of celebrities, including Zoe Saldana appear to have donated.
The Macmillan Support Line offers confidential support to people living with cancer and their loved ones. If you need to talk, call us on 0808 808 0000.
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