Heather McComb, the first wife of beloved “Dawson’s Creek” star James Van Der Beek, has broken her silence with a profoundly moving tribute following his tragic death at age 48 after a grueling two-year battle with colorectal cancer. In an emotional Instagram post shared on February 12, 2026—just one day after the actor’s peaceful passing—McComb poured out her heartbreak, gratitude, and enduring affection for the man she once called her husband. Her words, accompanied by a nostalgic black-and-white throwback photo from her 21st birthday before “Dawson’s Creek” even aired, captured the essence of a connection that transcended divorce, time, and tragedy. “This is how I will always see James—inocent, kind and pure of heart,” she wrote, evoking memories of a young, wide-eyed heartthrob whose infectious charm launched him into stardom.
The news of Van Der Beek’s death sent shockwaves through Hollywood and beyond on February 11, 2026. His wife, Kimberly Van Der Beek, announced the devastating loss on Instagram, revealing that he had passed peacefully that morning surrounded by loved ones. “Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning. He met his final days with courage, faith, and grace,” the family statement read. “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.” The post included a plea for privacy amid overwhelming grief, but the outpouring of tributes from co-stars, friends, and fans quickly flooded social media, turning the announcement into a collective mourning for one of the 90s’ most iconic teen idols.
Van Der Beek’s journey with cancer had been public and courageous. Diagnosed in August 2023 with stage 3 colorectal cancer, he went public with his diagnosis in November 2024, sharing raw updates about symptoms, treatments, and the emotional toll on his family. He spoke openly about the challenges of facing a disease that disproportionately affects younger adults in recent years, emphasizing hope, optimism, and the importance of early detection. Despite aggressive therapies, the cancer progressed relentlessly over two years, leading to his final days in hospice care. His death at just 48 underscored the brutal reality of the disease, prompting renewed calls for awareness and screening among men under 50.
At the heart of McComb’s tribute was a reflection on their shared history. The couple married in 2003 in a private ceremony, during the height of Van Der Beek’s fame from “Dawson’s Creek,” where he played the sensitive, introspective Dawson Leery opposite Katie Holmes, Michelle Williams, and Joshua Jackson. Their marriage lasted until a separation in 2009, with the divorce finalized in 2010, citing irreconcilable differences. Unlike many high-profile splits, theirs remained amicable; McComb emphasized in her post that their “special connection, friendship and love… has endured through decades.” She described Van Der Beek as a man who “loved being a father so much” and adored his second wife, Kimberly, calling her support during his illness “so beautiful” and something she would “forever admire.”
The throwback photo McComb chose was poignant: a young James, pre-stardom, beaming with innocence beside her on her 21st birthday. “Dawson’s Creek hadn’t even aired yet,” she noted, highlighting how their bond predated the whirlwind of fame that would define much of his career. McComb, now 48 and an accomplished actress in her own right with roles in “Party of Five,” “The Event,” “Ray Donovan,” and as Jubilee in the 1996 “Generation X” TV movie, expressed immense gratitude for their journey. “I sit here in immense gratitude for the special connection… I love you James. I know you had a lot of loved ones up there welcoming you home. God bless you. Till we meet again you sweet soul you. Prayers up.” She concluded by urging supporters to donate to the family’s GoFundMe, which had already raised over $1.5 million to help cover medical debts, living expenses, and the children’s future education.
Van Der Beek’s second marriage to Kimberly Brook in 2010 brought him the large family he cherished. The couple welcomed six children: Olivia (15), Joshua (13), Annabel (12), Emilia (9½), Gwendolyn (7), and Jeremiah (4). After facing personal tragedies—including miscarriages that Van Der Beek spoke about publicly—the family relocated from Los Angeles to Texas for a quieter, more grounded life. Van Der Beek often described fatherhood as his greatest role, posting heartfelt family moments and advocating for mental health, faith, and human connection. Kimberly’s strength during his illness was a recurring theme in tributes; McComb’s admiration for her echoed sentiments from others who witnessed the couple’s devotion.
Hollywood’s response was immediate and heartfelt. Katie Holmes, his on-screen love interest from “Dawson’s Creek,” shared a handwritten note on Instagram: “I mourn this loss with a heart holding the reality of his absence and deep gratitude for his imprint on it… He is beloved.” She praised his “bravery, compassion, selflessness and strength,” and his appreciation for life’s fragility. Busy Philipps, another co-star, posted: “My heart is deeply hurting… I’m so profoundly heartbroken for his incredible wife Kimberly and their six magical children… one in a billion who will be forever missed.” Reese Witherspoon, who was set to appear with him in a posthumous role in a “Legally Blonde” prequel, wrote: “Devastated… What an extraordinary, talented man who also showed great kindness and grace… Praying all the angels watch over his family.”
Other stars like Jennifer Garner, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Lucy Hale, Christie Brinkley, and Rumer Willis offered likes and quiet support, while Zoe Saldana pledged ongoing monthly donations to the family. The “Dawson’s Creek” cast, often linked in fans’ minds to a perceived “curse” of tragedies (including co-star Johnathan Brandis’s suicide and others’ struggles), reunited in grief, with Joshua Jackson spotted publicly for the first time since the news broke.
Van Der Beek’s career spanned nearly three decades, from early roles as a child actor to breakout fame in “Dawson’s Creek” (1998-2003), where his portrayal of a sensitive teen navigating love, loss, and identity resonated with a generation. Films like “Varsity Blues” (1999) cemented his status as a 90s heartthrob, while later projects included “The Rules of Attraction,” guest spots on shows like “Criminal Minds,” and voice work. Before his death, he was writing a memoir—intended to share his experiences with cancer, faith, and family—though it remains unfinished. His final on-screen appearance will live on in the upcoming series with Witherspoon, a bittersweet legacy.
The financial strain of his illness highlighted broader issues: despite a successful career, mounting medical costs forced the family to launch a GoFundMe that far exceeded its $500,000 goal. Fans and celebrities rallied, turning grief into action. McComb’s tribute, urging donations, amplified that support, reminding the world of the human cost behind the headlines.
As the tributes continue to pour in, James Van Der Beek’s legacy endures not just in reruns of teenage angst on the creek, but in the lives he touched—his children’s futures, his wives’ enduring respect, and a fanbase forever grateful for his vulnerability. In an industry often defined by glamour, he chose authenticity, faith, and family above all. McComb’s final words capture it best: a beautiful soul gone too soon, welcomed home by loved ones, leaving behind a void filled only by memories and the quiet hope that his story inspires others to cherish every moment. The pain is raw, the loss immense, but the love he inspired remains unbreakable.
