James Van Der Beek’s ex-wife, Heather McComb, honored her “special connection” and “friendship” with the late “Dawson’s Creek” star in a touching tribute.
“Thank you for everyone who has reached out. I appreciate and feel all your love. I am heartbroken over the loss of beloved James,” the actress wrote on Instagram Thursday.
McComb and Van Der Beek, who died Wednesday at age 48 after a battle with colorectal cancer, were married from 2003 to 2009.
“I am especially heartbroken for his incredible wife Kimberly, his beautiful children and his amazing family, Jim, Jared, Juliana and all of his family and friends who I know he loved deeply,” McComb, 48, continued.
McComb published the tribute alongside a black-and-white photo of the pair on her 21st birthday, before “Dawson’s Creek” premiered.
“This is how I will always see James innocent, kind and pure of heart. What a journey we shared over the years. I sit here in immense gratitude for the special connection, friendship and love that James and I shared that has endured through decades.”
McComb added that she will “treasure” the last words the pair exchanged.
“James was a beautiful soul filled with so much light, love, talent, humor, depth, sensitivity, knowledge and a deep love of God that shined through him. He shined so bright yet was so humble and human. Always searching, always growing, always going deeper, always chasing things outside his comfort zone.”
Van Der Beek married his wife Kimberly in 2010 before welcoming six kids: Olivia, 15, Joshua, 13, Annabel, 12, Emilia, 9, Gwendolyn, 7, and Jeremiah, 4.
McComb gushed over the “Varsity Blues” star’s love for his wife and children and noted that “how [Kimberly] showed up for him with such grace is so beautiful and something I will forever admire.”
She concluded her message in part: “James was a blessing to all that knew him and because of his boldness to share his journey with the world so bravely is now a blessing to all. I love you James. I know you had a lot of loved ones up there welcoming you home. God bless you. Till we meet again you sweet soul you. Prayers up.”
The “No One Would Tell” actress also asked followers to consider donating to the GoFundMe page for Van Der Beek’s family.
“James family meant everything to him please help cover them during this difficult season,” McComb wrote.
The GoFundMe has now surpassed $1 million in donations after being created on Wednesday by the ’90s heartthrob’s friends.
Kimberly, 44, announced the news of Van Der Beek’s death via a joint Instagram statement Wednesday.
“Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning,” the heartbreaking post read.
“He met his final days with courage, faith and grace. There is much to share regarding his wishes, love for humanity and the sacredness of time. Those days will come.”
Heartfelt tributes quickly poured in, with actress Jamie-Lynn Sigler writing, “We are the luckiest to have been part of his tribe. Fly high James. You were everything good in this world. ❤️.”
“I’m so sad for your beautiful family,” Sarah Michelle Gellar commented. “While James’ legacy will always live on, this is a huge loss to not just your family but the world. F–k Cancer.”
Katie Holmes, who starred on “Dawson’s Creek” with Van Der Beek for six seasons from 1998 until 2003, honored her former co-star on her own social media page.
“I formed some words with a heavy heart,” the actress, 47, captioned a photo of a handwritten message. “This is a lot to process. I am so grateful to have shared in a piece of James’ journey. He is beloved. Kimberly, we love you and will be here always for you and your beautiful children.”
Holmes highlighted Van Der Beek’s “compassion, bravery, selflessness and strength,” before stating that his “appreciation for life with the integrity that life is art.”
Van Der Beek was first diagnosed with colorectal cancer in 2023 before going public with his diagnosis in November 2024.
Van Der Beek was surrounded by friends and family in his final days, including close pal Mehcad Brooks.
“One of the greatest honors of my life, I got to be there [the] last four to five days, every day, and hold his hand, and pray with him, and tell him jokes, and tell him how much I love him, and sing to him,” the “Law & Order” star shared in an Instagram video Wednesday.
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