James Van Der Beek Remembered as ‘Kind and Pure’ by Ex-Wife

James Van Der Beek‘s legacy continues to live on, while his ex-wife, Heather McCombreflects his kindness and enduring spirit.

McComb and the “Pose” actor married in 2003 before amicably splitting in 2009. He then found love again with Kimberly, whom he married in 2010.

The beloved star died on February 11 following a battle with colorectal cancer, a fight that reportedly left her family facing significant financial hardship.

James Van Der Beek’s ex-wife mourns his passing in emotional tribute

Hours after Van Der Beek’s death, McComb took a trip down memory lane, remembering their time together and his nature. She posted an old photo of them smiling in each other’s arms on Instagram.

In her caption, McComb admitted she was heartbroken, adding that her prayers were especially with his wife and children before recalling the bond she had with him long after their marriage ended.

“This is how I will always see James, innocent, kind and pure of heart,” McComb wrote. “What a journey we have shared over the years. I sit here with immense gratitude for the special connection, friendship and love that James and I shared that has lasted for decades.”

McComb went on to note that she would keep her parting words close to her heart before sharing insight into her personality. She called him “a beautiful soul filled with so much light, love, talent, humor, depth, sensitivity, knowledge and a deep love for God.”

She added that she would cherish his last words and described him as a “beautiful soul” radiating light, humor, talent, depth and a deep love for God.

McComb also praised his courage in publicly sharing his health battle, noting that he inspired many, before offering continued prayers for the family he left behind.

Hollywood celebrities pay tribute to James Van Der Beek

McComb was far from alone in mourning the actor’s loss as tributes quickly poured in from across Hollywood.

The Blast reported that actress and singer Jamie-Lynn Sigler honored him with a heartfelt message highlighting his impact on the world.

“We are the luckiest to have been a part of his tribe. Fly high, James,” Sigler shared. “You were all that was good in this world.”

Canadian actress Kathleen Robertson offered her condolences to Kimberly and the Van Der Beek family, while stop-motion animator Kevin Parry lamented that “the world has lost a great man.”

Inside James Van Der Beek’s final moments with friends

Some of Van Der Beek’s closest friends also spoke about their last memories with him.

According to The Blast, WWE Hall of Famer Stacy Keibler revealed that they spent their last time together watching sunsets and reminiscing about their shared dreams and aspirations.

She said those quiet moments were now etched in her heart, adding that every sunset and rainbow would remind her of him. Keibler described the late actor as a radiant light in his life and the lives of countless others.

Mechad Brooks also shared that their final days were marked by prayer, laughter and meaningful conversations.

He said Van Der Beek faced his destiny with remarkable strength, a reminder to embrace life fully and joyfully.

James Van Der Beek’s former employers, Sony Pictures, face backlash

Following Van Der Beek’s death, a fundraiser was launched to support his wife and children after rising medical bills reportedly created financial difficulties.

The campaign revealed that the family struggled to maintain their home while covering their children’s education expenses.

The late actor had previously been outspoken about the toll his illness took, revealing in November that he sold personal “Dawson’s Creek” memorabilia to help offset the costs.

However, as The Blast reported, after the fundraiser was made public, some critics directed their frustration at Sony Pictures, questioning why the studio didn’t step in to help the actor, given the franchise’s long-term success.

One angry critic wrote: “F-ck @Sony for not even offering to help James Van Der Beek during his hard times.”

The GoFundMe has since grown, surpassing 20,000 donations, according to The Blast. Several celebrities, including Zoë Saldaña and Derek Hough, lent their support.

Medical experts suggest that the main cause of the cancer James Van Der Beek suffered from

Amid the tragedy that has struck Hollywood, researchers have looked into eating habits that may trigger colon cancers.

As The Blast reported, a recent study suggests that consuming at least one soda or sugary candy daily may be associated with an increased risk of advanced colon cancer.

Colorectal cancer is currently the fourth most commonly diagnosed cancer in the United States and the second most deadly form of the disease.

According to projections from the American Cancer Society, about 154,270 Americans are expected to be diagnosed this year, with about 52,900 deaths.