James Van Der Beek's Brother Jared Shares Heartbreaking Tribute to the Actor: 'I Didn't Know It Would Hurt So Badly'
James Van Der Beek's Brother Jared Shares Heartbreaking Tribute to the Actor: 'I Didn't Know It Would Hurt So Badly'
Madison E. GoldbergSat, February 14, 2026 at 1:01 AM UTC
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James Van Der Beek's Brother Jared Calls Late Brother His 'Person, The One I Would Go To For Any and All Things'
Jared Van Der Beek/Instagram
Jared Van Der Beek shared a series of rare personal photos alongside his late brother James Van Der Beek
The news of James' death at age 48 was announced on Feb. 11
James starred in the titular role in the WB's beloved series Dawson's Creek
James Van Der Beek's brother Jared Van Der Beek shared a touching tribute to the late actor.
On Feb 11, James' wife Kimberly Van Der Beek announced that he had "passed away peacefully" and "met his final days with courage, faith, and grace." The news came three years after James, 48, was diagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancer.
Jared, 47, shared a heartfelt Instagram post on Friday, Feb. 13. "There’s a special bond that exists between brothers and two days ago, that physical bond was broken," the caption began. "I now know why people call it heartbreak when you lose someone close to you. There is a feeling of devastation and pain that runs so deep in the heart, I didn’t know it would hurt so badly."
Jared then said that his brother James was his "person," and "the one I went to for any and all things."
James grew up in Connecticut alongside his brother Jared and sister Juliana, who are shown in photos in Jared's Instagram post alongside their parents James William Van Der Beek Sr. and the late Melinda Weber.
Left to right: Jared Van Der Beek, Melinda Weber, and James Van Der Beek
Jared Van Der Beek/Instagram
"I’ve looked up to him since I was born. He has never failed to be there for me whenever I needed him. It has been wonderful reading and seeing how he touched so many lives not because of something he did, but because of who he was," Jared's caption continued, adding that James "shared with an open heart and with his wise soul."
Jared then thanked the public for their support as the family grieves the loss of James. "As painful as this pain deep in the heart is, the healing has already begun with all the outpouring of love, prayers, and support. I truly thank all of you have taken the time to reach out, letting me know that you’re there," he wrote, while also extending thanks to "the community" who supported the family first hand in James' final days.
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The Van Der Beek family in a photo taken in 2008 shared by Jared Van Der Beek
Jared Van Der Beek/Instagram
"James, I already miss your physical being and your words of wisdom over the phone. Yet, I also feel your presence so strongly and I know you will continue to be guiding me. Thank you for living your life with me. I love you," Jared concluded the post.
The Van Der Beek siblings
Jared Van Der Beek/Instagram
After the news of James' death was announced, friends of the family organized a GoFundMe page to collect donations in James' honor and to "help cover essential living expenses, pay bills, and support the children’s education." He and Kimberly share six kids, daughters Olivia, 15, Annabel, 12, Emilia, 9, and Gwen, 7, and sons Joshua, 13, and Jeremiah, 4.
Less than 48 hours later, the fundraiser has received over $2.2 million.
Jared Van Der Beek shares rare family photos amid brother James' death
Jared Van Der Beek/Instagram
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On Thursday, Feb. 12, the organizers said the support has "been a light" for James' friends and family.
"Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for showing up for James and his beautiful family," the update on the fundraising page read. "Your kindness has meant more than we can put into words. In the middle of deep grief, your support has been a light. It reminds us that love is real, that community is strong, and that James’s spirit continues to bring people together."
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Source: “AOL Entertainment”
