“Just absolutely devastated”: James Van Der Beek's hometown Cheshire community mourn actor as he dies at 48

James Van Der Beek passed away recently. The actor was known for his boyish good looks and earnestness. He landed the leading role in the '90s teen drama Dawson's Creek and became a star.

As per a report shared by NBC Connecticut, people across Connecticut and beyond are mourning the death of the forty-eight year old actor. James Van Der Beek grew up in Cheshire. He went on to be a teen idol. People clung to those memories after learning he died. Van Der Beek had been battling stage 3 colon cancer.

Kathy Catlin of Cheshire spoke about the news.

"I was just absolutely devastated. I mean, so young. 48 years old. That's really young. Cancer's not forgiving, unfortunately," Catlin shared.

James Van Der Beek was a Connecticut native. He graduated from Cheshire Academy in 1995. Barbara Vestergaard is the Constituent Engagement and Annual Giving Officer at Cheshire Academy. She talked about Van Der Beek's talent.

"He had it right from the very beginning, and the whole time he was at school, the things that he participated in here, he was really good," said Vestergaard.

James Van Der Beek thought diet caused bowel movement changes in 2023:

James Van Der Beek died on Wednesday. A statement posted to his Instagram announced the news.

"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," the statement read.

CNN reached its representative, Whitney Tancred, who also confirmed the news.

James Van Der Beek announced he was living with stage 3 colorectal cancer in November 2024. As per People, the star shared the news,

"I have colorectal cancer. I've been privately dealing with this diagnosis and have been taking steps to resolve it, with the support of my incredible family."

James Van Der Beek said he had no reason to suspect he would face such a diagnosis at this point in his life. He had no family history of cancer. He took care of his body through exercise and nutrition.

"I'd always associated cancer with age and with unhealthy, sedentary lifestyles. But I was in amazing cardiovascular shape. I tried to eat healthy — or as far as I knew it at the time," he said.

He noticed changes in his bowel movements in the summer of 2023. James Van Der Beek assumed his diet was to blame.

"I thought maybe I needed to stop coffee. Or maybe not put cream in the coffee. But when I cut that out and it didn't improve, I thought, 'All right, I better get this checked out,'" he shared.

Kimberly Van Der Beek shared a GoFundMe link asking for support:

A GoFundMe page for James Van Der Beek's family topped more than $1 million in donations. As per a report shared by The Hollywood Reporter, the actor's friends launched the page less than 24 hours earlier.

James Van Der Beek's inner circle set up the GoFundMe account shortly after the news of his death. The account was for his wife, Kimberly Van Der Beek, and their six children. They asked for financial aid as medical costs had left them out of funds.

Kimberly shared the link on her social media.

"My friends created this link to support me and my children during this time. With gratitude and a broken heart," Kimberly wrote.

$346,943 had already been raised by early Wednesday afternoon. The goal was $550,000. More than $1 million had been raised a few hours later at 9 p.m. PT. The new goal became $1.3 million.

The GoFundMe page stated the family's situation.

"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," the page said.

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The message continued.

"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," the GoFundMe stated.

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