James Van Der Beek’s Ex-Wife Shares Emotional Tribute After His Death at 48, Reflecting on Their Years of Love, Friendship and the Deep Connection That Endured Long After Their Marriage Ended As She Honors His Wife, Their Six Children and the Courage and Faith He Showed in His Final Days, Fans Say Her Words Paint a Portrait of a Man Whose Light Touched Every Chapter of Her Life — and Never Truly Faded

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James Van Der Beek’s ex-wife, Heather McComb, pens heartbreaking tribute: ‘What a journey we shared’

James Van Der Beek’s ex-wife, Heather McComb, honored her “special connection” and “friendship” with the late “Dawson’s Creek” star in a touching tribute.

“Thank you for everyone who has reached out. I appreciate and feel all your love. I am heartbroken over the loss of beloved James,” the actress wrote on Instagram Thursday.

McComb and Van Der Beek, who died Wednesday at age 48 after a battle with colorectal cancer, were married from 2003 to 2009.

“I am especially heartbroken for his incredible wife Kimberly, his beautiful children and his amazing family, Jim, Jared, Juliana and all of his family and friends who I know he loved deeply,” McComb, 48, continued.

Heather McComb paid tribute to James Van Der Beek on Thursday.
Heather McComb paid tribute to James Van Der Beek on Thursday.heatmccomb/Instagram
Van Der Beek died at age 48 on Wednesday.
Van Der Beek died at age 48 on Wednesday.Getty Images

McComb published the tribute alongside a black-and-white photo of the pair on her 21st birthday, before “Dawson’s Creek” premiered.

“This is how I will always see James innocent, kind and pure of heart. What a journey we shared over the years. I sit here in immense gratitude for the special connection, friendship and love that James and I shared that has endured through decades.”

McComb added that she will “treasure” the last words the pair exchanged.

“James was a beautiful soul filled with so much light, love, talent, humor, depth, sensitivity, knowledge and a deep love of God that shined through him. He shined so bright yet was so humble and human. Always searching, always growing, always going deeper, always chasing things outside his comfort zone.”

Van Der Beek and McCombs were married from 2003 to 2010.
Van Der Beek and McCombs were married from 2003 to 2010.Getty Images
The actress reflected on cherishing their last conversation together.
The actress reflected on cherishing their last conversation together.Getty Images

Van Der Beek married his wife Kimberly in 2010 before welcoming six kids: Olivia, 15, Joshua, 13, Annabel, 12, Emilia, 9, Gwendolyn, 7, and Jeremiah, 4.

McComb gushed over the “Varsity Blues” star’s love for his wife and children and noted that “how [Kimberly] showed up for him with such grace is so beautiful and something I will forever admire.”

She concluded her message in part: “James was a blessing to all that knew him and because of his boldness to share his journey with the world so bravely is now a blessing to all. I love you James. I know you had a lot of loved ones up there welcoming you home. God bless you. Till we meet again you sweet soul you. Prayers up.”

The “No One Would Tell” actress also asked followers to consider donating to the GoFundMe page for Van Der Beek’s family.

James Van Der Beek and Heather McComb at "The Broken Hearts Club" premiere.
McComb praised Van Der Beek for the incredible husband and father he was to wife Kimberly and their six kids.Getty Images
Van Der Beek married Kimberly in 2010 and the couple share kids: Olivia, Joshua, Annabel, Emilia, Gwendolyn and Jeremiah.
Van Der Beek married Kimberly in 2010 and the couple share kids: Olivia, Joshua, Annabel, Emilia, Gwendolyn and Jeremiah.James Van Der Beek/Instagram

“James family meant everything to him please help cover them during this difficult season,” McComb wrote.

The GoFundMe has now surpassed $1 million in donations after being created on Wednesday by the ’90s heartthrob’s friends.

Kimberly, 44, announced the news of Van Der Beek’s death via a joint Instagram statement Wednesday.

“Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning,” the heartbreaking post read.

After Kimberly announced her husband's death, many stars paid tribute to the '90s icon.
After Kimberly announced her husband’s death, many stars paid tribute to the ’90s icon.vanderjames/Instagram
Van Der Beek's "Dawson's Creek" co-stars took to social media to reflect on the actor.
Van Der Beek’s “Dawson’s Creek” co-stars took to social media to reflect on their bond with the actor.Getty Images

“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.”

Heartfelt tributes quickly poured in, with actress Jamie-Lynn Sigler writing, “We are the luckiest to have been part of his tribe. Fly high James. You were everything good in this world. ❤️.”

“I’m so sad for your beautiful family,” Sarah Michelle Gellar commented. “While James’ legacy will always live on, this is a huge loss to not just your family but the world. F–k Cancer.”

Katie Holmes shared a handwritten letter.
Katie Holmes shared a handwritten letter to Van Der Beek, detailing their special bond.©Columbia Tristar/Courtesy Everett Collection
Van Der Beek starred as Dawson Leery on the '90s drama from 1998 to 2003.
Van Der Beek starred as Dawson Leery on the ’90s drama from 1998 to 2003.©Columbia Tristar/Courtesy Everett Collection

Katie Holmes, who starred on “Dawson’s Creek” with Van Der Beek for six seasons from 1998 until 2003, honored her former co-star on her own social media page.

“I formed some words with a heavy heart,” the actress, 47, captioned a photo of a handwritten message. “This is a lot to process. I am so grateful to have shared in a piece of James’ journey. He is beloved. Kimberly, we love you and will be here always for you and your beautiful children.”

Holmes highlighted Van Der Beek’s “compassion, bravery, selflessness and strength,” before stating that his “appreciation for life with the integrity that life is art.”

Holmes played Dawson's love interest, Joey Potter.
Holmes played Dawson’s love interest, Joey Potter.Courtesy Everett Collection
Holmes praised Van Der Beek’s "compassion, bravery, selflessness and strength."
Holmes praised Van Der Beek’s “compassion, bravery, selflessness and strength.”Columbia Tristar/Courtesy Everett Collection

Van Der Beek was first diagnosed with colorectal cancer in 2023 before going public with his diagnosis in November 2024.

Van Der Beek was surrounded by friends and family in his final days, including close pal Mehcad Brooks.

“One of the greatest honors of my life, I got to be there [the] last four to five days, every day, and hold his hand, and pray with him, and tell him jokes, and tell him how much I love him, and sing to him,” the “Law & Order” star shared in an Instagram video Wednesday.