James Van Der Beek Purchased $4.8M Texas Ranch Before Death

The beloved actor died on Feb. 11 following a years-long battle with colorectal cancer.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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James Van Der Beek, the star of "Dawson's Creek" and "Varsity Blues", purchased a $4.76 million ranch in the Austin, Texas area just a month before his death on February 11, 2026 at the age of 48 after a battle with stage 3 colorectal cancer. The purchase was made with the help of friends through a trust, allowing Van Der Beek's family to shift from renting to owning the property.

Why it matters

Van Der Beek's sudden death has sparked an outpouring of support for his wife Kimberly and their six children, with a GoFundMe campaign raising over $2.5 million. The purchase of the expensive ranch has raised some questions, but Van Der Beek's representatives have clarified that the down payment was secured with the help of friends to provide stability for his family.

The details

According to Realtor.com, Van Der Beek and his family had been renting the sprawling Texas property since 2020 before he officially purchased it on January 9, 2026 in an off-market deal. The purchase of the $4.76 million ranch was made with the help of friends through a trust, allowing the family to transition from renting to owning the property.

  • Van Der Beek purchased the Texas ranch on January 9, 2026.
  • Van Der Beek died on February 11, 2026 at the age of 48.

The players

James Van Der Beek

An acclaimed actor known for his roles in "Dawson's Creek" and "Varsity Blues" who passed away at the age of 48 after a battle with stage 3 colorectal cancer.

Kimberly Van Der Beek

The wife of James Van Der Beek and mother of their six children.

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What they’re saying

“For those attacking James Van Der Beek's wife for having a [GoFundMe] may I give you some FACTS. 1. They do not OWN the farm they live on, they were renting 2. He was not living off residuals.”

— Donna Vivino, Broadway actress (Social media)

“Our family is drowning in medical debt because of my dad's cancer, my parents saved, worked hard and had a great retirement … all gone.”

— Braunwyn Windham-Burke, "Real Housewives of Orange County" alum (Social media)

What’s next

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The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.