Friend Defends Van Der Beek Family's Fundraiser After Backlash

A close friend of the late actor James Van Der Beek responds to criticism over the family's GoFundMe campaign.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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A close friend of the late actor James Van Der Beek has spoken out in defense of a GoFundMe campaign launched to support the Van Der Beek family following Van Der Beek's death from stage III colorectal cancer. The fundraiser has raised over $2.6 million, far exceeding its original $1.5 million goal, but has faced backlash online over the family's purchase of a $4.7 million Texas ranch prior to Van Der Beek's passing.

Why it matters

The case highlights the complexities and sensitivities around public fundraising efforts, especially for high-profile individuals, and the need for nuance and empathy when discussing personal tragedies and financial circumstances.

The details

The GoFundMe campaign was created to help ease the financial strain on the Van Der Beek family caused by James Van Der Beek's prolonged illness. The family faced not only emotional challenges but also significant financial strain as they supported Van Der Beek's care. However, reports surfaced that the family had purchased a $4.7 million Texas ranch one month before Van Der Beek's death, prompting criticism from some social media users who questioned why the family was seeking public donations while owning such a property.

  • James Van Der Beek, 48, best known for his role on Dawson's Creek, passed away from stage III colorectal cancer.
  • The GoFundMe campaign was launched following Van Der Beek's death to support his wife Kimberly and their six children.
  • The family had purchased a $4.7 million Texas ranch one month before Van Der Beek's death in 2020.

The players

James Van Der Beek

An actor best known for his role on the TV series Dawson's Creek, who passed away from stage III colorectal cancer at the age of 48.

Kimberly Van Der Beek

The wife of James Van Der Beek, who is raising their six children following his death.

Mehcad Brooks

A close friend of the Van Der Beek family who defended the GoFundMe campaign against criticism.

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What they’re saying

“You have no idea the pain they went through.”

— Mehcad Brooks, Close friend of the Van Der Beek family (Newsweek)

“It's ok to stfu [shut the f*** up] when you can't know what the f*** you're talking about. It's ok not to try to seek attention off of other people's suffering or the generosity in response to it. Because James touched them for decades. It's ok for you to stay quiet in the face of blind stupidity, meanness and lack of empathy.”

— Mehcad Brooks, Close friend of the Van Der Beek family (Newsweek)

What’s next

A representative for the Van Der Beek family has clarified that James Van Der Beek secured the down payment for the Texas ranch through the help of friends, allowing the family to shift from renting to owning the property.

The takeaway

This case highlights the need for empathy and understanding when discussing personal tragedies and fundraising efforts, even for high-profile individuals. The complexities of individual financial circumstances and the pain of losing a loved one should be considered before rushing to judgment.