Stacy Keibler Details James Van Der Beek’s Final Days

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James Van Der Beek was cherishing every little moment before his death.

Stacy Keibler, a close friend of James Van Der Beek and his wife Kimberly, spent some of James’s final days with him at his ranch in Texas. She said she had “never been so present” during the visit, which occurred after his years-long fight with stage 3 colorectal cancer. He passed away on February 11th.

I recently shared a beautiful sunset with you, and I’ll always cherish our conversation. You shared your thoughts, dreams, and the promises we made to each other. We talked about how chaotic life can feel, and it seems like the world needs your positive energy now more than ever. I posted a picture from that moment, taken from my wheelchair, on Instagram on February 11th.

As the sun set, a shooting star streaked across the sky, almost as if to suggest that everything happens for a reason.

Stacy, 46, reflected on her relationship with the 48-year-old, describing their time together as “a wonderful blessing.”

She explained that when you truly value time, you live fully in the moment. You don’t hurry, get lost in distractions, or stress about the future. Instead, you slow down, pay attention, connect with others, and allow yourself to be moved by the beauty around you.

In a message to James, the model expressed her belief that even though he was gone, his spirit lived on and was making a positive impact. She wrote, ‘We’ve lost someone wonderful here, but heaven has gained an amazing soul.’ She promised to remember him whenever she saw a sunset or a rainbow, feeling his presence in those moments.

Actor James Van Der Beek, who has six children – Olivia (15), Joshua (13), Annabel (12), Emilia (9), Gwendolyn (7), and Jeremiah (4) – with his wife Kimberly, changed his approach to life after receiving a cancer diagnosis in 2023. He has said that cancer ultimately gave him the gift of truly being present.

Before my cancer diagnosis, I used to see life’s small joys as things to add to a list. Now, I’m better at simply enjoying each moment as it comes.

For more moving tributes to James, read on.

 

Busy, a colleague of James from Dawson’s Creek, shared her sadness for everyone affected by his passing. She expressed particular grief for his wife, Kimberly, and their six children, as well as for his parents, brother, sister, friends, and all who loved him or appreciated his work, especially those who supported him during his illness.

Oh my god, I’m absolutely devastated. James Van Der Beek was just…one of a kind, truly. A billion in one, honestly. I don’t even know how to process this. I’m so, so heartbroken. He wasn’t just some celebrity to me; he was a friend, and I loved him so much. I’m just so grateful I got to know him and call him my friend all these years. It feels like a piece of me is gone.

“Had the good fortune of knowing and growing with this guy,” Ashton wrote in a post on X. “Rip.”

The star and writer, known for their work with James on the Prime Video series, shared a heartfelt tribute, calling him “A legend in every way” on Instagram.

The former star of Franklin & Bash shared that working with James many years ago was a wonderful experience. They described him as one of the kindest, wisest, and most generous actors they’ve ever collaborated with, and praised the positive impact he had on others. They expressed their heartfelt condolences and sent their love.

 

Following the news of the Dawson’s Creek actor’s passing, the Hamilton writer posted a family photo from the show’s 2025 reunion, expressing his support for the Van Der Beek family.

She shared on Instagram that he taught her to have faith in God’s plan, even during painful times—especially when things didn’t go as hoped.

We spent a beautiful evening watching the sunset, and you shared your thoughts, dreams, and the promises we’ve made to each other. We talked about how chaotic life can be, and how maybe you’re needed in heaven to bring some peace to the world. Right as the sun disappeared, a shooting star flashed across the sky – it felt like a sign that everything happens for a reason.

As she put it, “You are a gift.”

She shared on Instagram about the heartbreaking loss, calling the person a beautiful soul. She sent her condolences and prayers to the family, offering support during this difficult time, and letting them know others are there for them.

The former Grey’s Anatomy star shared that she was feeling heartbroken and sent love and support to Kimberly Van Der Berg, writing, “Sending love, light & strength to you dear @vanderkimberly.”

The actress expressed her deep sadness, writing, ‘Sending Kimberly and her children so much love as they cope with this difficult time.’

He was a truly kind and loving man, and everyone who knew him adored him, she remembered. She offered her deepest sympathies to his family, whom he cherished.

Oh my gosh, just thinking about him… he was truly something else. Anyone who even met him was instantly different, better, because of him. It wasn’t just his intelligence, it was… everything about him. The way he loved his family was unreal, and the connection he had with Kimberly? It felt like a love that spanned centuries. Honestly, he was the wisest person I’ve ever known, and I cherish every single piece of advice he ever gave me. Every little thing he shared felt like a gift, and I’ll hold onto those memories forever. He just… he was beautiful, inside and out.

She went on, saying she could barely express how beautiful his writing was. He had a gift with words that reminded everyone what it felt like to experience genuine tenderness through his stories. She shared how deeply loved and missed he was, admitting her heart was broken and that the pain would likely last a long time.

Oh my gosh, when Nikki Reed talked about Kimberly and James, it totally melted my heart! She said we’re all sending Kimberly and her little ones SO much love, and called her her ‘special sister’! It’s just…they’re the greatest example of love, she said! Like, ever! And she’s there for them, always, forever. Seriously, relationship goals right there. I’m not crying, you’re crying!

She shared on Instagram that she was deeply saddened by the news of @vanderjames’s passing. She remembered him as a kind person, a loving father, and a talented actor, and fondly recalled him being her first on-screen kiss during a guest appearance on #ClarissaExplainsItAll.

She shared that he passed away far too young, but fought bravely. They met about two years ago on the show #WeAreFamily, where he performed with his daughter and was a very supportive father. She’s sending her condolences to his six children, wife, and the rest of his family.

The Dancing with the Stars professional, who partnered with James during season 28 of the show, shared a heartfelt message saying she was heartbroken by his passing. She wrote that he would always be family and expressed her deep love for him, adding that he could be proud of the person he was. She was thankful she had the chance to say goodbye.

“I’m so sorry,” she wrote. “My prayers are with you and your beautiful family.”

She expressed her deep sorrow, saying, “This is absolutely heartbreaking news. I am so incredibly sorry for your loss, and I’m sending my best wishes to everyone.”

Paul shared a heartfelt message on Instagram to James, saying, “Love you, James.” He expressed his belief that James was now in heaven, surrounded by love, and assured him that his family, the Van Der Beeks, would be in their thoughts and prayers. Paul also mentioned they were working to raise money to help James’s family. He finished by thanking James for his contributions and remembering him as a kind person.

The Dancing With the Stars pro wrote, “Sending so much love and prayers.”

She said she would never forget his kind and gentle spirit, and sent her love and prayers to Kim and the whole family.

The One Tree Hill actor shared their condolences, writing, “Sending all my love and support to your wonderful family.” They described the deceased as an incredibly impactful person, saying, “James was a truly remarkable man, and we are heartbroken for everything you’re going through. His creativity, kindness, and words motivated us all to strive to be better. Wishing you peace and strength.”

As she wrote on Instagram, “Sending so much love to your family.”

She shared a heartfelt message, saying she loved her friends and was thinking of them after hearing about James’ passing. She expressed how thankful she was for their long-lasting friendship, and admired the example James set as a husband, father, and brother figure to her. She was deeply touched by the love and care they all showed one another.

She added, “Sending all the love and light to you all.”

The Dancing with the Stars host shared on Instagram that they are heartbroken. They expressed gratitude for having a special someone in their life and were thankful they could say goodbye.

She expressed her deep sadness for the family on Instagram, acknowledging that while James will be remembered fondly, his death is a significant loss for both them and the world. She ended with a frustrated message about cancer.

She shared her love in the comments, writing, “Sending so much love. I’m so sorry.”

The actress from Lemonade Mouth left a heartfelt message on James’ family’s post about his passing. She expressed her deep sorrow and remembered him as a kind and loving person, saying his positive spirit would live on.

Jamie shared a heartfelt message under James’s death announcement, writing, “We were so lucky to have known him.” She added, “Rest in peace, James. He was a truly good person.”

Oh my gosh, you guys, I was scrolling through Instagram and I saw it! That British model, she actually left a comment on Kimberly James’ post! It said, ‘Sending so much love to you and the kids praying over you.’ It’s just…so sweet! I can’t believe she took the time to do that. It just shows what a kind person she is, thinking of the whole family. I’m totally obsessed with how supportive everyone is being!

The actor from ‘Bones’ shared a heartfelt message online, saying, ‘My thoughts are with James’s family.’ He remembered James as a truly kind, joyful, and loving person, cherishing their conversations together. He ended by thanking James and saying his memory will continue to inspire.

“Heartbreaking,” the soccer star wrote in an Instagram post. “Prayers to all his loved ones.”

The actress from Aquamarine sent her condolences and expressed her sorrow in a comment on James’ announcement, writing, “Sending love. I’m so sorry.”

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2026-02-12 01:18