James Van Der Beek's Friend Describes Family's 'Urgent Need' for Money After His Death

Designer Erin Fetherston says the actor's wife Kimberly and six children are struggling to stay afloat following his battle with stage III colorectal cancer.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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James Van Der Beek's close friend, designer Erin Fetherston, has described the 'urgent' financial need facing the actor's family after his death from stage III colorectal cancer at age 48. Fetherston told ExtraTV that Van Der Beek's wife Kimberly and their six children are 'facing life without a father' and trying to 'maintain some stability' after his passing. A GoFundMe campaign has been set up to support the family, which has already raised over $2 million in donations.

Why it matters

The death of a parent can create significant financial strain for families, especially when the deceased was the primary breadwinner. Van Der Beek's case highlights the challenges that can arise when a celebrity battles a serious illness, including the potential loss of income and the need for expensive medical treatment. The outpouring of support for the Van Der Beek family underscores the empathy and generosity of the entertainment community.

The details

Following James Van Der Beek's battle with stage III colorectal cancer, his wife Kimberly and loved ones are struggling to stay afloat. Fetherston, a close friend of the family, told ExtraTV that the six children are 'facing life without a father' and that Kimberly has been left to 'pick up the pieces' after supporting James through his illness. Fetherston said James was unable to work for the past two years due to his cancer treatment, and the family 'tried everything to save his life.' A GoFundMe campaign has been set up to support the family, which has already raised over $2 million in donations.

  • James Van Der Beek passed away on February 11, 2026 at the age of 48.
  • In November 2024, James announced his stage III colorectal cancer diagnosis.

The players

James Van Der Beek

An American actor best known for his role as Dawson Leery on the TV series Dawson's Creek, who passed away in 2026 at the age of 48 after a battle with stage III colorectal cancer.

Kimberly Van Der Beek

James Van Der Beek's wife, who is now left to care for their six children following his death.

Erin Fetherston

A close friend of the Van Der Beek family who has described their 'urgent need' for financial support after James' passing.

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What they’re saying

“I'm just so happy and grateful that so many people feel moved in their hearts the way that those of us close feel. There is a sincere and urgent need here for the family. They have really been through it, and I just want to thank everyone on their behalf who has given and who may feel inspired to give.”

— Erin Fetherston, Designer (ExtraTV)

“These are six children who are facing life without a father. Their amazing mother Kimberly has been a devoted wife and mom. She's had six children and been public about losing babies along the way. She has been in the space of motherhood and supporting James all of these years. Now, she's really left to pick up the pieces.”

— Erin Fetherston, Designer (ExtraTV)

“By supporting them, you're helping them just maintain some stability in their life after going through a terribly challenging, painful, and heartbreaking journey that has ended in the loss of their father.”

— Erin Fetherston, Designer (ExtraTV)

What’s next

The GoFundMe campaign set up to support the Van Der Beek family remains active, and donations continue to be accepted.

The takeaway

The tragic loss of James Van Der Beek has left his wife and six children in a precarious financial situation, highlighting the importance of planning and support systems for families facing serious illness and loss. The outpouring of support from the entertainment community and public underscores the empathy and generosity that can emerge in times of crisis.