James Van Der Beek's wife shares touching message to Eric Dane's wife after his death

The recent widow of Dawson's Creek actor James Van Der Beek has shared some words of encouragement with Rebecca Gayheart, who lost her own husband, Grey's Anatomy star Eric Dane, last week.

Dane, 53, passed away on Friday (20 Feb), aged 53, 10 months after he first announced he'd been diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

The Dr Mark Sloan actor's loved ones - namely his wife, Rebecca - shared the news of his death in a statement to PEOPLE, which read: "With heavy hearts, we share that Eric Dane passed on Thursday afternoon following a courageous battle with ALS.

"He spent his final days surrounded by dear friends, his devoted wife, and his two beautiful daughters, Billie and Georgia, who were the center of his world.

Dane died on Friday 20 Feb (Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for Prime Video)

"Throughout his journey with ALS, Eric became a passionate advocate for awareness and research, determined to make a difference for others facing the same fight."

Eight days earlier, on 11 February, the family of James Van Der Beek announced that the Varsity Blues actor had died following a battle with bowel cancer.

In light of father-of-two Dane's passing, Van Der Beek's wife, Kimberly, has since shared a sweet tribute on social media, offering her condolences to Rebecca and her two daughters, Billie, 15, and Georgia, 14.

Sharing an image of the actor and tagging Rebecca, the 44-year-old wrote: "RIP @realericdane. We love you. Will miss our guys laughing at Christmas parties together."

The foursome had been close friends (Jeffrey Mayer/Getty Images)

Kimberly - who shared four daughters and two sons with Van Der Beek - also uploaded a photo of her and her late husband, and Rebecca and hers, standing side-by-side at the Chrysalis Butterfly Ball in June 2017.

Van Der Beek had been diagnosed with the deadly cancer strain in the summer of 2023 after a routine screening revealed a tumour had formed in his bowel. By the time the news became public, the disease had developed into stage three colorectal cancer.

It was Kimberly who subsequently announced his passing, aged 48, online, writing: "Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning. He met his final days with courage, faith, and grace.

Van Der Beek died on 11 Feb (Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

"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."