Stacy Keiblers Heartfelt Tribute to James Van Der Beek

Stacy Keibler says it was a 'gift from God' to be with James Van Der Beek in his 'final days' following the star's death on Wednesday.

The former WWE star paid tribute to her late friend after the Dawson's Creek star died on Wednesday aged 48 after being diagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancer back in August 2023.

Sharing a sunset photo of herself kneeling by his wheelchair as they smiled and chatted, she wrote on Instagram: '@vanderjames Spending these final days with you has been a true gift from God...

'I have never been so present in my life. When you know time is sacred, you don't waste a single breath. You don't rush. You don't scroll.

'You don't worry about tomorrow. You sit. You listen. You hold hands. You watch the sky change colors and you let it change you too...

Stacy Keibler says it was a 'gift from God' to be with James Van Der Beek in his 'final days' following the star's death on Wednesday (Stacy and James pictured during their final moments together)

James leaves behind his wife, Kimberly Van Der Beek, 44, and their six children: Olivia, 15, Joshua, 13, Annabel, 12, Emilia, nine, Gwendolyn, seven, and Jeremiah, four

Designer Erin Fetherston also posted a tribute to James on Instagram

'In these past days, you taught me more about being present than any book ever could. You showed me what it looks like to trust God's plan, even when it breaks your heart. Especially when it breaks your heart.'

The retired wrestler, 46, who appeared on Dancing With The Stars in 2006, 13 years before James joined the cast, detailed their last conversations before he passed.

She continued: 'The other night we watched the sunset together as you shared your wisdom, your hopes, and the promises we made to each other.

'We talked about how this world can feel upside down…and how maybe heaven needs your spirit now to help steady us down here...

'And just as the sun slipped away, a shooting star crossed the sky…as if to remind us that none of this is random...

'You are a gift. An incredible husband. An extraordinary dad. The way you showed up for @vanderkimberly and your children… steady, strong, devoted…was a blessing to witness...

'It has been an honor to stand beside your family in these sacred moments. It's pretty incredible how someone can fight so hard for so long, travel the world battling so much, and somehow still look so handsome doing it.'

Stacy revealed James' smile 'never left' him during his health struggles, and she can already feel his presence now that he's gone.

James pictured in Dawson's Creek with his co-stars Katie Holmes, Michelle Williams and Joshua Jackson

She wrote: 'That smile never left you. You have given this world so many gifts. Your presence was a bright light in my life, and in so many others.

'And while your physical body may no longer be here, I know your spirit is doing big things. I feel it already.

'We may have lost a good one here on earth… but heaven gained something extraordinary. I will think of you every time I watch a sunset. Every time I see a rainbow stretch across the sky. I'll know you're there.

'And maybe the lesson you leave us with is this: The present moment is everything. Love the people in front of you. Say the words. Watch the sunset...

'Trust God, even when you don't understand. Thank you for changing me. I will carry you with me. Always.'

James' loved ones confirmed his passing in an emotional Instagram post reading: '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.'

He is survived by his wife, Kimberly, and their six children.

The actor and his wife share daughters Olivia, 15, Annabel, 12, Emilia, nine, and Gwendolyn, seven, as well as sons Joshua, 13, and Jeremiah, four.

Jennifer Garner, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Lucy Hale, Christie Brinkley and Rumer Willis responded to the family's statement with the like button.

A GoFundMe page was launched on Wednesday to help support Van Der Beek's family with $500,000 as a starting ask.

Kimberly wrote on her Insta Stories: 'My friends created this link to support me and our children during this time. With gratitude and a broken heart.'