James Van Der Beek Dies at 48; Renewed Wedding Vows with Wife Kimberly Days Before Passing

 Hollywood and television fans are mourning the loss of James Van Der Beek, the beloved star of Dawson’s Creek, who passed away on February 11, 2026, after a courageous battle with colorectal cancer. Just days before his death, Van Der Beek shared an intimate and emotional moment with his wife, Kimberly, renewing their wedding vows in a deeply moving bedroom ceremony. The private event, held in the comfort of their home, underscored the profound bond between the couple and highlighted the preciousness of time spent with loved ones in life’s most challenging moments.

The vow renewal was organized with only two days’ notice, yet friends and family quickly rallied to create a memorable and heartfelt setting. Their bedroom was transformed with flowers, candles, and music, providing a serene and intimate atmosphere for the couple to reaffirm their love. Instrumentalist Poranguí performed throughout the ceremony, concluding with a rendition of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” while a small number of loved ones were present in person and additional friends joined via Zoom. Kimberly described the event as “simple, beautiful, and moving,” capturing the essence of their life together.

James and Kimberly’s love story began in Israel in 2009, and the couple married a year later on August 1, 2010, in the basement of the Kabbalah Centre in Tel Aviv. Reflecting on their wedding and 13 years together, Van Der Beek fondly recalled the celebration, noting the mix of joyous chaos, unexpected paparazzi encounters, and shared laughter over a casual outdoor meal. “We’ve gone through success, tragedy, joy, stress, triumph, uncertainty, and through it all… these have been the best years of my life,” he said. The couple’s unwavering partnership through life’s highs and lows exemplified resilience, love, and shared devotion.

Together, James and Kimberly built a family of six children: daughters Olivia, 15, Annabel, 12, Emilia, 9½, and Gwendolyn, 7, and sons Joshua, 13, and Jeremiah, 4. The family was a cornerstone of James’s life, and his commitment as a father and husband was evident in every public and private moment. Friends and colleagues frequently noted his dedication to his children and the joy he found in family life, which he described as the most meaningful adventure of all.

Following his passing, Kimberly shared a heartfelt statement on Instagram, announcing James’s death and requesting privacy for the grieving family. “Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning. He met his final days with courage, faith, and grace,” she wrote. The statement emphasized his love for humanity and the sacredness of time, reflecting the family’s desire to honor his memory while navigating the profound loss of a devoted husband, father, son, and friend.

In the wake of the tragedy, friends and supporters established a GoFundMe campaign to provide financial assistance to Kimberly and the children, as the family faced significant expenses from James’s extended medical care. The campaign quickly surpassed $1 million in less than 24 hours, far exceeding its original $250,000 goal, demonstrating the outpouring of love and support from fans and the entertainment community. The story of Van Der Beek’s final days, his enduring love for his family, and the generosity of those surrounding them has resonated across the United States, leaving a lasting impact on all who admired the actor and his remarkable life.