James Van Der Beek’s first wife Heather McComb shared a heartfelt tribute following the tragic death of the Dawson’s Creek star.
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Van Der Beek, 48, passed away on Wednesday after a two-year battle with colorectal cancer, leaving behind his wife Kimberly and six children: Olivia, 15, Joshua, 13, Annabel, 12, Emilia, 9½, Gwendolyn, 7, and Jeremiah, 4.
On Thursday, McComb - who married Van Der Beek in 2003 before splitting in 2009 - shared a heartfelt tribute on social media, posting a throwback black-and-white photo from early in their relationship.
'I am heartbroken over the loss of beloved James. 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,' wrote McComb, 48, alongside the sweet snap.
Referring to the picture, she added: 'This picture is from my 21st birthday. Dawson’s Creek hadn’t even aired yet.
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'This is how I will always see James - innocent, kind and pure of heart. What a journey we shared over the years.'
James Van Der Beek ’s first wife Heather McComb shared a heartfelt tribute following the tragic death of the Dawson’s Creek star' (pictured 2002)
'This picture is from my 21st birthday. Dawson’s Creek hadn’t even aired yet,' McComb shared
She continued: 'I sit here in immense gratitude for the special connection, friendship and love that James and I shared that has endured through decades.'
Looking back, McComb said Van Der Beek, who married Kimberly in 2010, 'loved being a father so much' and 'loved Kimberly with his everything,' describing them as 'true soulmates.'
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'How [Kimberly] showed up for him with such grace is so beautiful and something I will forever admire,' she wrote.
She concluded, '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 actress also urged her followers to consider donating to a GoFundMe set up for the Van Der Beek family.
The online fundraiser has already raised more than $1.5 million, with the page explaining that 'Kimberly and the children are facing an uncertain future' after medical expenses 'have left the family out of funds.'
The outpouring of grief didn’t stop there - the tragedy reverberated across Hollywood, with countless Dawson’s Creek co-stars posting heartfelt tributes online, including Katie Holmes.
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In a hand-written statement posted on Instagram, Holmes, who played Joey Potter, remembered Van Der Beek for his 'bravery, compassion, selflessness and strength,' as well as his 'appreciation for life.'
McComb continued: 'I sit here in immense gratitude for the special connection, friendship and love that James and I shared that has endured through decades'; (pictured 2000)
McComb posted, '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'; (pictured 2005)
'I mourn this loss with a heart holding the reality of his absence and deep gratitude for his imprint on it,' she added.
The actress captioned the post: 'I formed some words with a heavy heart. This is a lot to process. I am so grateful to have shared in a piece of James’ journey. He is beloved.'
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Busy Philipps, who joined Dawson’s Creek in its later seasons as Audrey Liddell, also paid tribute on Instagram.
She wrote that her 'heart is deeply hurting for all of us today,' acknowledging everyone who knew and loved him, including his friends, family, and fans.
Philipps went on to say she was 'profoundly heartbroken for his incredible wife Kimberly and their six magical children,' describing Van Der Beek as 'one in a billion' who will be 'forever missed.'
She added, 'I’m so grateful for our friendship all these years,' reflecting on their bond both on and off screen.
Still, Jackson and Michelle Williams, one of the original four leads who played Jen Lindley, have yet to publicly address the loss.
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Jackson, however, has long held Van Der Beek in high esteem.
McComb said Van Der Beek, who married Kimberly in 2010, 'loved being a father so much' and 'loved Kimberly with his everything,' describing them as 'true soulmates'; (Kimberly and James pictured 2019)
'I am heartbroken over the loss of beloved James. I am especially heartbroken for his incredible wife Kimberly, his beautiful children,' wrote McComb alongside the sweet snap; (James and Kimberly with five of their six children)
Ahead of the show’s second season premiere in October 1998, Van Der Beek spoke to Teen People about how the series had affected his life - and Jackson also shared his thoughts.
'He's the one everybody loves to love,' Jackson said.
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He then joked, 'I don't have to worry about throngs of girls. That's more James's thing.'
Williams similarly praised Van Der Beek at the time, telling the outlet, 'James has a Cary Grant quality.'
Other stars also reacted to Van Der Beek's death.
Reese Witherspoon, an executive producer on the Legally Blonde prequel Elle, in which Van Der Beek will posthumously appear, wrote that she was 'devastated' by the news.
'What an extraordinary, talented man who also showed great kindness and grace in every action,' she added. 'Praying all the angels watch over his family during this difficult time.'
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Van Der Beek’s death rocked Hollywood, with countless Dawson’s Creek costars sharing heartfelt tributes online, including Katie Holmes
In a hand-written statement posted on Instagram, Katie Holmes, who played Joey Potter, remembered Van Der Beek for his 'bravery, compassion, selflessness and strength,' as well as his 'appreciation for life'
Following the family’s announcement on Wednesday, more stars joined in sharing condolences.
The statement read: 'Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning. 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. For now we ask for peaceful privacy as we grieve our loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend.'
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Jennifer Garner, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Lucy Hale, Christie Brinkley, and Rumer Willis all responded to the announcement with likes.
A GoFundMe page was also launched on Wednesday to help support Van Der Beek's family, with a starting goal of $500,000.
Kimberly shared on her Instagram Stories: 'My friends created this link to support me and our children during this time. With gratitude and a broken heart.'
The page added: 'Your generosity will help cover essential living expenses, pay bills, and support the children's education.'