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<\/p>\nFundraiser launched in support of James Van Der Beek\u2019s family has raised more than $1.1million within hours of the Dawson Creek star\u2019s death.<\/p>\n
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James Van Der Beek died aged 48 following a cancer battle.<\/p>\n
Picture:
\nInstagram<\/p>\n
James Van Der Beek shared a heartbreaking final message to fans less than a month before his death from cancer aged just 48.<\/p>\n
The Dawson\u2019s Creek star shared a hopeful video with fans saying he was planning to rest and recover his strength before the spring.<\/p>\n
In the hours after the star’s death, a fundraiser launched in support of his family raised more than $1.1million.<\/p>\n
In a video posted on Instagram on January 15, he said: \u201cAnyone else out there finding that your New Year\u2019s resolution was impossible to keep? I\u2019m going to say something: I don\u2019t think it\u2019s your fault.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhy are we celebrating a new year in the dead of winter? Why are we celebrating new beginnings at a time when nature rests?<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m going to take winter to recover, to rest, and I\u2019m going to make New Year\u2019s resolutions in the spring. Who\u2019s with me?\u201d<\/p>\n
He continued: \u201cAnimals are hibernating! Birds fly south for the winter!<\/p>\n
\u201cThe time to celebrate a new beginning, and a new you, and a new resolution, is in the spring, at the vernal equinox, when the flowers bloom and it gets warmer and the birds return.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s how nature does it. Why are we fighting nature?\u201d<\/p>\n
James\u2019s wife Kimberly, confirmed the news in an Instagram post.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning,\u201d she wrote.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe met his final days with courage, faith, and grace.\u00a0 There is much to share regarding his wishes, love for humanity and the sacredness of time.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cThose days will come.\u00a0 For now we ask for peaceful privacy as we grieve our loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend.\u201d<\/p>\n
Two weeks ago he posted an adorable image of him hugging his daughter, writing: “My father and my daughter share a birthday today. At first, I thought that was all they shared – they seemed so different to me.<\/p>\n
“But as the two of you have evolved, and let more of who you are shine through, I can recognize the same open, warm, loving, gentle heart. <\/p>\n
“I see the care and dedication you shower upon those you love most. I see the same out-of-the-box Aquarian creativity and originality. <\/p>\n
“And you both make every room you\u2019re in more fun. Different senes of humor, but you both have a way of alchemizing the vibe around you in such a subtle way one can almost miss how powerfully you do this.<\/p>\n
“In this crazy world, it\u2019s a wonder to me that you\u2019ve managed to stay so open, so tender, and so genuinely good.<\/p>\n
“You are marvels\u2026 and I\u2019m so insanely grateful to have you in my life.<\/p>\n
“The world is a better place because the two of you are in it.<\/p>\n
“Happy birthday, guys. I love you with all my heart.”<\/p>\n
He died following a battle with colon cancer – after first announcing his diagnosis in November 2024.<\/p>\n
Diagnosed with Stage 3 colorectal cancer, the actor wrote on social media at the time: \u201cI\u2019ve been dealing with this privately until now, getting treatment and dialling in my overall health with greater focus than ever before. <\/p>\n
\u201cPlease know that my family and I deeply appreciate all the love and support.\u201d<\/p>\n
Read more: Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe claims UK has been ‘colonised by immigrants’<\/a><\/p>\n
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