Stacy Keibler Pays Tribute to James Van Der Beek Following Actor's Death at 48

Former WWE star Stacy Keibler shared an emotional tribute to actor James Van Der Beek, revealing she spent his final days with him amid his battle with colorectal cancer. The "Dawson's Creek" alum passed away on February 11, 2026, at his Texas ranch, leaving behind his wife Kimberly and six children.

Van Der Beek, 48, was diagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancer in August 2023 and publicly disclosed his condition in November 2024. His family announced his death in a statement, noting he faced his final moments with courage, faith, and grace.

Keibler's Instagram post included a photo of the two watching a sunset, with Van Der Beek in a wheelchair, highlighting their close friendship and the profound lessons she learned from him during his last days.

James Van Der Beek's Battle with Colorectal Cancer

James Van Der Beek died on February 11, 2026, at his ranch in Texas after a nearly three-year fight against colorectal cancer. The actor was diagnosed in August 2023, but he kept the news private until November 2024, when he shared it in interviews to raise awareness about the disease.

Colorectal cancer, which starts in the colon or rectum, has seen a rise in cases among younger adults under 50, making it a leading cause of cancer-related deaths in that age group. Van Der Beek's death underscores this trend, as experts note increasing diagnoses in people in their 20s, 30s, and 40s.

Throughout his illness, Van Der Beek continued working, appearing in projects like the 2024 series "Walker" and the 2025 show "Overcompensating." In a 2025 interview, he reflected on how the diagnosis fueled his passion for acting, saying it made him realize he needed to "work more."

Who Was Involved: Family, Friends, and Co-Stars

Van Der Beek is survived by his wife, Kimberly Van Der Beek, whom he married in 2010, and their six children: Olivia, 15; Joshua, 13; Annabel, 12; Emilia, 9; Gwendolyn, 7; and Jeremiah, 4. The family moved to Texas in 2020 for a quieter life away from Hollywood.

Close friend Stacy Keibler, a retired professional wrestler and WWE Hall of Famer, was by his side in his final days. Keibler described Van Der Beek as an "incredible husband" and "extraordinary dad," praising his devotion to his family.

Tributes poured in from "Dawson's Creek" co-stars. Katie Holmes shared a handwritten letter mourning the loss. Busy Philipps called him "one in a billion" and urged donations to the family's GoFundMe. Mary-Margaret Humes, who played his on-screen mother, remembered him as a "gracious warrior."

Other celebrities, including Jennifer Garner, Sarah Michelle Gellar, and Lin-Manuel Miranda, expressed condolences. Krysten Ritter, his co-star from "Don't Trust the B---- in Apartment 23," described him as "pure magic."

Stacy Keibler's Full Tribute

In her heartfelt Instagram caption, Keibler wrote: "Spending these final days with you has been a true gift from God. I have never been so present in my life." She continued, "When you know time is sacred, you don’t waste a single breath. You don’t rush. You don’t scroll. You don’t worry about tomorrow. You sit. You listen. You hold hands. You watch the sky change colors and you let it change you too."

Keibler recounted a sunset moment: "The other night we watched the sunset together as you shared your wisdom, your hopes, and the promises we made to each other. We talked about how this world can feel upside down…and how maybe heaven needs your spirit now to help steady us down here." She noted a shooting star appeared, symbolizing that "none of this is random."

Praising his resilience, she added: "It’s pretty incredible how someone can fight so hard for so long, travel the world battling so much, and somehow still look so handsome doing it :) That smile never left you." Keibler concluded by vowing to remember him during sunsets and rainbows, emphasizing lessons of presence and trust in God's plan.

Why James Van Der Beek's Death Matters

Van Der Beek's passing highlights the increasing prevalence of colorectal cancer in younger populations, prompting calls for earlier screenings—now recommended starting at age 45. His openness about the disease raised awareness, similar to cases like Chadwick Boseman's death in 2020.

As a beloved figure from "Dawson's Creek," where he played the titular character from 1998 to 2003, Van Der Beek influenced a generation. His roles in films like "Varsity Blues" and self-parodying appearances cemented his legacy in pop culture.

What Happens Next for the Family

The Van Der Beek family has requested privacy as they grieve. A GoFundMe campaign, launched to cover medical expenses and support the family, has raised significant funds, reflecting widespread support.

No details on funeral arrangements have been released. Tributes continue on social media, with shows like "The Masked Singer" dedicating episodes to him. His final Instagram post, a tribute to his daughter, has gained renewed attention.

Van Der Beek's story serves as a reminder of life's fragility and the importance of health screenings amid rising cancer rates in young adults.