The representative for James Van Der Beek has addressed backlash to the GoFundMe set up in his name (Picture: JB Lacroix/ WireImage)
James Van Der Beek helped secure a down payment for a $4,800,000 ranch in Texas with the assistance of friends a month before his death.
Last week it was announced that the Dawson’s Creek actor had died aged 48 three years after being diagnosed with colorectal cancer, with it emerging last year he’d been forced to start selling memorabilia to pay for treatment.
He is survived by his wife, Kimberly Van Der Beek, and their six kids: Olivia, 15, Joshua, 13, Annabel, 12, Emilia, 9, Gwendolyn, 7, and Jeremiah, 4.
Soon after his death, a GoFundMe was launched to raise money for his family, who were said to be facing an ‘uncertain future’. Â
Initially set up with a goal to raise $1.5million (£1.1million), donations have now surpassed $2.6million (£1.9million).
A few days ago, it emerged that weeks before his death, Van Der Beek had purchased a ranch in Texas for $4.76million (£3.3million) – news which left some criticising the existence of the GoFundMe.
The Dawson’s Creek actor died aged 48 last week (Picture: Valerie Macon/ AFP via Getty Images)
A GoFundMe set up to help his family has raised over $2.6million (£1.9million) (Picture: GoFundMe)
However, a representative for the late actor has now responded and clarified the down payment for the property was achieved through the assistance of friends.
‘James secured down payment for the Texas ranch for the family with the help of friends through a trust so they could shift from rent to mortgage,’ they told People.
Responding to the backlash from trolls questioning the validity of the fundraiser, Broadway star Donna Vivino took to social media to call out those ‘attacking’ his wife and giving ‘some facts’.
‘1. They do not OWN the farm they live on; they were renting 2. He was not living off residuals,’ she wrote.
She also added that ‘cancer treatment is effin expensive even WITH insurance’.
‘Not everything is what it looks like online. A little context goes a long way,’ she concluded the post.
This week it was reported he and wife Kimberly purchased a multi-million dollar ranch in Texas weeks before his death (Picture: Robyn Beck/ AFP via Getty Images)
In 2020 Van Der Beek and his wife relocated their family from Los Angeles to a 36-acre property in Spicewood, located just outside of Austin.
At the time, the couple chose to lease the ranch, with Kimberly once explaining how they wanted to test out life in Texas before committing to settling there permanently.
Following his death, this week it was revealed the couple had recently purchased the property, which includes a main house, several cabins, a pool, and a backyard with views of the Pedernales River.
An old listing for the property described it as being the perfect place to ‘channel your hippie cowboy’.
Throughout the past few years, Van Der Beek regularly shared photos and videos of himself and his family at the ranch.
In November 2022 he told People that the move had been a ‘centering’ experience for his family.
As for his kids, he added: ‘It’s been grounding, and a different kind of education that we never could have offered them in a classroom.’
‘It’s just connected us, not just to nature, but to the natural life cycles all around us.’
Meanwhile Kimberly once said in an Instagram Live video filmed at their home that the space was ‘really, really necessary for us’.
The description for the GoFundMe donation page for the family, which has seen significant donations come from directors Steven Spielberg and Jon M. Chu, began by sharing: ‘James Van Der Beek was a beloved husband, father, and friend who touched the lives of everyone around him. 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.
The couple – who were married in 2010 – share six children (Picture: James Van Der Beek/ Instagram)
‘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 description went on to note that the funds raised would go towards ‘essential living expenses, pay bills, and support the children’s education’ as the family looks to ‘rebuild their lives’ after their loss.
The day after the fundraiser went live, the organisers thanked donors ‘from the bottom of our hearts for showing up for James and his beautiful family’.
‘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,’ read the statement posted on the fundraising page.
It continued: ‘Right now, the family is taking time to mourn and be with one another. We kindly ask members of the media and the public to give them space and privacy as they walk through this painful season. Your respect and understanding will give them the room they need to heal.’
Van Der Beek rose to fame starring in Dawson’s Creek alongside Katie Holmes (Picture: Globe Photos/ Shutterstock)
In December Van Der Beek announced he was selling memorabilia tied to 1999 film Varsity Blues, with autographed football jerseys available for $80 (£58), and unsigned versions for $40 (£29).
‘Excited to celebrate the 25th anniversary of #VarsityBlues with a limited edition #4 Moxon jersey — each one personally autographed by me,’ he wrote on Instagram.
‘100% of my net proceeds will go to families recovering from the financial burden of cancer (including my own 😇).’
As well as a series of snaps of him modelling the merch with a football in hand, the actor also shared the announcement on his Instagram Story, writing: ‘#CancerIsExpensive.’
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