James Van Der Beek's widow gives heartbreaking update on grieving her husband

Kimberly Van Der Beek has issued an emotional update, three months on from the tragic death of her husband, James.

The tragic news broke earlier this year that the Dawson's Creek actor had died on 11 February at the age of just 48, two-and-a-half years after he received a bowel cancer diagnosis.

The star, who played the titular character in the 1990s drama, was diagnosed in late 2023 following a screening that revealed the existence of a tumour that developed into stage three cancer.

James heartbreakingly left behind his wife Kimberly, 44, and their six children, Olivia, Joshua, Annabel, Emilia, Gwendolyn, and Jeremiah.

Announcing his death, his family wrote in a statement shared to social media at the time: "Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning. He met his final days with courage, faith, and grace.

"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."

James Van Der Beek's widow has issued an update three months after his death (Instagram/vanderkimberly)

Now, three months on from his passing, Kimberly issued an update on Instagram today (13 May) on how the family is doing.

Sharing a carousel of photos of family photos, she admitted that the ‘comforts of shock have worn off’ in a devastating message.

Kimberly wrote: “Yesterday was three months since we lost @vanderjames."

She added, “To say I'm heartbroken is a severe understatement. Words just don't capture what grief is. The comforts of shock have worn off.

"The reality is settling in... and I miss him. We all miss him. Yet, there is a different kind of magic in the air.”

Kimberly continued: “I feel him. I know him more deeply. My conscious connection to God has deepened. The veils of the universe have thinned. And I trust that this is the path me and my family have always been intended to walk.”

Kimberly shared a heartbreaking message alongside a slew of family photos (Instagram/vanderkimberly)

She went on to thank fans for their love and support during such a difficult time.

The outpouring of support has been tremendous,” she wrote, “It's held our family in the most beautiful of ways. You all went absolutely above and beyond anything I could have ever expected in supporting us and honoring James.”

The mother-of-six signed off with: “I am deeply grateful. There is so much more to share here. And in time - I will.”

In the months before his tragic death, James had been candid about how the cancer treatments had left him and his family struggling financially.

Before his passing, the actor publicly auctioned off precious items from throughout his career and acting roles, including some of his iconic Dawson's Creek outfits.

Kimberly was also forced to share a fundraiser asking fans for donations after James' death, to help with expenses relating to the star's extended medical treatment.

She wrote: "My friends created this link to support me and our children during this time. With gratitude and a broken heart."

Kimberly said the 'comforts of shock have worn off' and 'reality is settling in' (Instagram/vanderkimberly)

The GoFundMe page's description, which at the time of writing sits at $2,875 736, explained that 'throughout his illness, the family faced not only emotional challenges but also significant financial strain as they did everything possible to support James and provide for his care'.

It says: "In the wake of this loss, Kimberly and the children are facing an uncertain future. The costs of James’s medical care and the extended fight against cancer have left the family out of funds.

"They are working hard to stay in their home and to ensure the children can continue their education and maintain some stability during this incredibly difficult time.

"The support of friends, family, and the wider community will make a world of difference as they navigate the road ahead.

"Your generosity will help cover essential living expenses, pay bills, and support the children’s education. Every donation, no matter the size, will help Kimberly and her family find hope and security as they rebuild their lives. Thank you for considering a gift to support them."