Just days after James Van Der Beek’s heartbreaking death at 48, his grieving family has found itself at the center of a growing online storm.
The Dawson’s Creek star passed away following a private two-year battle with colorectal cancer, leaving behind his wife Kimberly, 44, and their six children. Kimberly announced his death in an emotional social media post, asking for privacy as the family mourns. Fans flooded the comments with tributes, remembering Van Der Beek as a beloved actor and devoted father.
But the outpouring of support quickly turned complicated. A GoFundMe campaign—reportedly launched by a family friend—appeared online shortly after his passing, stating the family had exhausted funds during James’ extensive cancer treatment. The fundraiser initially aimed to raise $1.5 million but has since surpassed $2.6 million from nearly 50,000 donors.
The controversy erupted after reports surfaced that Van Der Beek had secured a $4.8 million down payment for the family’s Texas ranch just one month before his death. According to a spokesperson, the down payment was made through a trust with assistance from friends, helping the family transition from renting to owning. That detail fueled backlash from some online critics, who questioned why crowdfunding was necessary.
Supporters of the family have pushed back hard against the criticism. Broadway actress Donna Vivino defended Kimberly publicly, noting that cancer treatment in the United States can be financially devastating—even for celebrities. She also emphasized that Van Der Beek was not living off major residual checks from past projects. As debate continues online, the Van Der Beek family has not issued additional public comments, focusing instead on mourning their husband and father.
