A Gofundme launched in support of James Van Der Beek's grieving family has surpassed its $500,000 goal just hours after news of the star's death was announced.
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The Dawson's Creek actor died on the morning of Wednesday, February 11 at the age of 48 following a two-year battle with colorectal cancer.
Van Der Beek is survived by his longtime wife Kimberly and their six children: daughters Olivia, 15, Annabel, 12, Emilia, nine, and Gwendolyn, seven, as well as sons Joshua, 13, and Jeremiah, four.
Kimberly confirmed her husband's death on Instagram and posted a link to a Gofundme that was launched by the couple's friends.
'My friends created this link to support me and our children during this time. With gratitude and a broken heart,' Kimberly penned via her Instagram Story.
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The fundraiser noted that donations 'will help cover essential living expenses, pay bills, and support the [Van Der Beek] children's education.'
A Gofundme launched in support of James Van Der Beek's grieving family has surpassed its $500,000 goal just hours after news of the star's death was announced; seen in 2019
As of 3:30pm PT, more than 8,000 people have contributed and over $527,000 has been raised - surpassing the fundraiser's original $500,000 goal
Within the first hour of the Gofundme going live, more than $100,000 was raised for the Van Der Beek family.
As of 3:30pm PT, more than 8,000 people have contributed and over $527,000 has been raised - surpassing the fundraiser's original $500,000 goal.
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The goal has since been raised to $1 million.
It 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.'
Jennifer Garner, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Lucy Hale, Christie Brinkley and Rumer Willis responded to the family's statement with the like button.
Van Der Beek announced in November 2024 that he had cancer.
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'There's no playbook for how announce these things, but I'd planned on talking about it at length with People magazine at some point soon… to raise awareness and tell my story on my own terms,' he wrote on social media.
Van Der Beek is survived by his longtime wife Kimberly and their six children: daughters Olivia, 15, Annabel, 12, Emilia, nine, and Gwendolyn, seven, as well as sons Joshua, 13, and Jeremiah, four
Kimberly confirmed her husband's death in a statement shared to Instagram
'But that plan had to be altered early this morning when I was informed that a tabloid was going to run with the news.
'I've been dealing with this privately until now, getting treatment and dialing in my overall health with greater focus than ever before. I'm in a good place and feeling strong. It's been quite the initiation, and I'll tell you more when I'm ready.
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'Apologies to all the people in my life who I'd planned on telling myself. Nothing about this process has occurred on my preferred timeline… But we roll with it, taking each surprise as a signpost, pointing us toward a greater destiny than we would have discovered without divine intervention. Please know that my family and I deeply appreciate all the love and support.'
Later Van Der Beek told People he was getting through the health ordeal with the 'support of my incredible family.'