{"id":428165,"date":"2026-02-16T05:12:12","date_gmt":"2026-02-16T05:12:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/428165\/"},"modified":"2026-02-16T05:12:12","modified_gmt":"2026-02-16T05:12:12","slug":"james-van-der-beeks-4800000-ranch-purchase-clarified-after-gofundme-backlash","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/428165\/","title":{"rendered":"James Van Der Beek’s $4,800,000 ranch purchase clarified after GoFundMe backlash"},"content":{"rendered":"

\t\t\"2019
\n\t\tThe representative for James Van Der Beek has addressed backlash to the GoFundMe set up in his name (Picture: JB Lacroix\/ WireImage)<\/p>\n

James Van Der Beek<\/a> helped secure a down payment for a $4,800,000 ranch in Texas with the assistance of friends a month before his death.<\/p>\n

Last week it was announced that the Dawson\u2019s Creek actor <\/a>had died aged 48 three years after being diagnosed with colorectal cancer<\/a>, with it emerging last year he\u2019d been forced to start selling memorabilia to pay for treatment<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Soon after his death, a GoFundMe was launched to raise money for his family<\/a>, who were said to be facing an \u2018uncertain future\u2019. \u00a0<\/p>\n

Initially set up with a goal to raise $1.5million (\u00a31.1million), donations have now surpassed $2.6million (\u00a31.9million).<\/p>\n

A few days ago, it emerged that weeks before his death, Van Der Beek had purchased a ranch in Texas for $4.76million (\u00a33.3million) \u2013 news which left some criticising the existence of the GoFundMe.<\/p>\n

\t\t\"(FILES)
\n\t\tThe Dawson\u2019s Creek actor died aged 48 last week (Picture: Valerie Macon\/ AFP via Getty Images)<\/p>\n

\t\t\"James
\n\t\tA GoFundMe set up to help his family has raised over $2.6million (\u00a31.9million) (Picture: GoFundMe)<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

\u2018James 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<\/a>,\u2019 they told People.<\/p>\n

Responding to the backlash from trolls questioning the validity of the fundraiser, Broadway star Donna Vivino took to social media<\/a> to call out those \u2018attacking\u2019 his wife and giving \u2018some facts\u2019.<\/p>\n

\u20181. They do not OWN the farm they live on; they were renting<\/a> 2. He was not living off residuals,\u2019 she wrote.<\/p>\n

She also added that \u2018cancer treatment is effin expensive even WITH insurance\u2019.<\/p>\n

\u2018Not everything is what it looks like online. A little context goes a long way,\u2019 she concluded the post.<\/p>\n

\t\t\"US-ENTERTAINMENT-MOVIE-SKIN\"
\n\t\tThis 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)<\/p>\n

In 2020 Van Der Beek and his wife relocated their family from Los Angeles<\/a> to a 36-acre property in Spicewood, located just outside of Austin<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

An old listing for the property described it as being the perfect place to \u2018channel your hippie cowboy\u2019.<\/p>\n

Throughout the past few years, Van Der Beek regularly shared photos and videos of himself and his family at the ranch.<\/p>\n

In November 2022 he told People that the move had been a \u2018centering\u2019 experience for his family.<\/p>\n

As for his kids, he added: \u2018It\u2019s been grounding, and a different kind of education that we never could have offered them in a classroom.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018It\u2019s just connected us, not just to nature, but to the natural life cycles all around us.\u2019<\/p>\n

Meanwhile Kimberly once said in an Instagram<\/a> Live video filmed at their home that the space was \u2018really, really necessary for us\u2019.<\/p>\n

The description for the GoFundMe donation page for the family, which has seen significant donations come from directors Steven Spielberg<\/a> and Jon M. Chu, began by sharing: \u2018James 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.<\/p>\n

\t\t\"James
\n\t\tThe couple \u2013 who were married in 2010 \u2013 share six children (Picture: James Van Der Beek\/ Instagram)<\/p>\n

\u2018In the wake of this loss, Kimberly and the children are facing an uncertain future. The costs of James\u2019s medical care and the extended fight against cancer have left the family out of funds.<\/p>\n

\u2018They 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.\u2019<\/p>\n

The description went on to note that the funds raised would go towards \u2018essential living expenses, pay bills, and support the children\u2019s education\u2019 as the family looks to \u2018rebuild their lives\u2019 after their loss.<\/p>\n

The day after the fundraiser went live, the organisers thanked donors \u2018from the bottom of our hearts for showing up for James and his beautiful family\u2019.<\/p>\n

\u2018Your 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\u2019s spirit continues to bring people together,\u2019 read the statement posted on the fundraising page.<\/p>\n

It continued: \u2018Right 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.\u2019<\/p>\n

\t\t\"Mandatory
\n\t\tVan Der Beek rose to fame starring in Dawson\u2019s Creek alongside Katie Holmes (Picture: Globe Photos\/ Shutterstock)<\/p>\n

In December Van Der Beek announced he was selling memorabilia tied to 1999 film Varsity Blues, with autographed football jerseys available for $80 (\u00a358), and unsigned versions for $40 (\u00a329).<\/p>\n

\u2018Excited to celebrate the 25th anniversary of #VarsityBlues with a limited edition #4 Moxon jersey \u2014 each one personally autographed by me,\u2019 he wrote on Instagram.<\/p>\n

\u2018100% of my net proceeds will go to families recovering from the financial burden of cancer (including my own \ud83d\ude07).\u2019<\/p>\n

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: \u2018#CancerIsExpensive.\u2019<\/p>\n

Got a story?<\/p>\n

If you\u2019ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk<\/a> entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff<\/a> page \u2013 we\u2019d love to hear from you.<\/p>\n

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