James van der Beek has died

[musicalfrog]

Announced by Kimberly in the last few minutes.

Rest in peace James.

Same here, it was so moving. His children were so lovely and his absence from the show was painful. I remember seeing him on TV a few days after that reunion aired and he looked so unwell, I felt so devastated for him and his family.

Dawson’s Creek was a huge part of my teenage years and his death has made me feel genuinely upset for all who knew him. Aside from his family I imagine all his old cast members are totally bereft and heartbroken too.

Such very sad news.

Me too 😢

The tributes rolling in overnight have set me off again.

It's scandalous that the family have to rely on donations to cope with the bills.

I noticed James was doing some sponsored ads on Instagram last year, which I thought seemed out of step, but now I realise it was one of the only ways he could bring in any money.

How stressful for all of them. How he remained so positive is a testament to his character.

Bowel cancer rates in people under 50 have grown 50% since the 90s - one theory is a type of e.coli that lives in the gut.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cvgxpv9k822o

I’ve known three people who have died of it, all under 40 - I do wonder if younger people are more easily dismissed as every single one was told their symptoms were due to IBS until it was too late to effectively treat. Hopefully awareness is now rising among GPs.

Thank you @FrothyCothy for the information.

I think raising awareness was one of James' intentions in the last year or so.

Reunion of cast on Broadway. No James. 😔

I’ve seen a couple of tributes that are..unusual. The actor who played Carlton in Fresh Prince of Bel Air was a very close friend and is godfather to one of James’ children so is obviously grief stricken. He has posted a picture of him laying next to James who appears to be asleep with a caption that this was his final goodbye to his friend just before he died. I’m assuming (hoping) he had the family’s permission to post this as they asked for privacy and this is an incredibly intimate photo to share.

Katie Holmes written tribute honestly read as if it was written by AI.

RIP James.

I did think that was an odd photo to share. Seemed way too personal

The tributes read as if everyone close very much knew it was his last few days and was invited in to spend time with him - I would be surprised too if they haven’t been posted with the consent of the family.

“Carlton” (Alfonso Ribeiro) hosts Dancing with the Stars so that’s where there connection comes from.

I think it is a beautiful photo, two buddies together, the link I looked at says it was taken by JVB"s wife.

Seems there has already been a backlash against the GoFundMe🙄 Do people really have nothing better to do with their time than harass a grieving family!

I think it seems to be about the fact he bought the ranch for over 4mil a few weeks ago but the wording of the gofundme suggests they’re going to lose their home. Doesn’t change the fact with 6 kids and no real income plus medical bills they’ll still need support but I can see why some people might feel misled.

I agree plus there are smaller properties and they are all in private school. You can see why people get wound up.

I had the impression the kids were home schooled (no idea why).

I haven’t seen the GoFundMe so didn’t know how it was worded but thought it suggested that the cost of his medical care left the family without funds but didn’t mention the ranch. I can see why people might be annoyed as it turns out their friends put money together to buy it and it cost over $4 million. But they were renting it so equally understandable that they wanted to do whatever they could to secure the property before he passed.

If they own a property worth four million, they could very easily liquidate quite a lot of that while still living in relative luxury…

Agree and grief is one situation where we shouldn’t judge as it is about peoples own personal emotions and coping mechanisms.

I hope they aren’t going to turn Into
one of those Influencer families you see popping up all wholesome and blonde.

how is she going to run a ranch?

How can you liquidate something you don’t own?

You can’t.
They do own it. Not sure what the confusion is?

They were renting it for years up until January when their friends put down a deposit on it so she’s now the sole mortgage payer. Their bank owns it.

I heard he funded the making of a documentary following his cancer journey and he didn't agree to conservative treatment opting instead for new treatment that I think wasn't covered by insurance. Apparently his choice to use this newer therapy will help future patients as the scientists will learn stuff.

I am not sure if the documentary was finished.

Very sad indeed.

Exactly.

Short term accommodation/AirBnB would be many people"s first plan I think? Lot of work and disruption though.

I think they (or at least James) were already doing the Influencer type posts on Insta featuring the kids?

I assume the family will get help to run the ranch. The GoFundMe has received millions of dollars in contributions. One actress has set up a recurring monthly payment for thousands of dollars. Obviously the money cannot replace a lost husband and father. I cannot fathom raising 6 kids amidst all that grief.