James Van Der Beek's closest friends are providing a special glimpse into the actor's final days on Earth. Before the Dawson's Creek star died on Wednesday, February 11, after a stage III colorectal cancer diagnosis, close pals, including Dancing With the Stars cohost Alfonso Ribeiro and Law & Order alum Mehcad Brooks were able to spend time with the actor in Texas. "In these past days, you taught me more about being present than any book ever could," Stacey Keibler wrote via Instagram on Wednesday. "You showed me what it looks like to trust God's plan, even when it breaks your heart. Especially when it breaks your heart." Keibler, who is also a close friend of Kimberly Van Der Beek, added, "It has been an honor to stand beside your family in these sacred moments." 'Dawson's Creek' Cast Quotes About James Van Der Beek's Cancer Battle A joint statement posted on James and Kimberly's Instagram post confirmed that the Varsity Blues actor had died at the age of 48. "He met his final days with courage, faith and grace," the statement read. "There is much to share regarding his wishes, love for humanity, and the sacredness of time. Those days will come. For now, we ask for peaceful privacy as we grieve our loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend." Keep reading to learn more about the memories James made with his closest friends before his death: Alfonso Ribeiro Alfonso Ribeiro and James Van Der Beek Courtesy of Alfonso Ribeiro/Instagram Alfonso Ribeiro praised James Van Der Beek as his "true friend, brother and life guide." "I will always hold my role as Gwen's Goddie daddy as one of the most important roles of my life," Ribeiro wrote via Instagram while referencing James' 7-year-old daughter, Gwendolyn. "I love you James and know I have a guardian angel watching over me. Being able to say goodbye this weekend will always live with me." In his tribute post, the Dancing With the Stars cohost also shared a photo of himself with James eating at an outdoor table. "I was with him through this horrible journey to beat cancer. His family and friends went on this roller coaster ride. The highs when it looked like he had it beat to the breaking lows of it coming back," Ribeiro continued. "I've learned so much from James. He and @vanderkimberly changed my life. I will forever be in debt for all they've given me and my family." Stacy Keibler James Van Der Beek and Stacy Keibler Courtesy of Stacy Keibler/Instagram In a tribute post to James Van Der Beek, Stacy Keibler shared a photo of James in a wheelchair as they admired a Texas sunset. "@vanderjames Spending these final days with you has been a true gift from God. I have never been so present in my life," she wrote via Instagram. "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 continued, "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. And just as the sun slipped away, a shooting star crossed the sky...as if to remind us that none of this is random." The WWE Hall of Famer said James' smile "never left," even when he was in discomfort. "Maybe the lesson you leave us with is this: The present moment is everything. Love the people in front of you. Say the words. Watch the sunset. Trust God, even when you don't understand," she added. "Thank you for changing me. I will carry you with me. Always 🤍." Erin Fetherston and Gabe Saporta Erin Fetherston and James Van Der Beek Courtesy of Erin Fetherston/Instagram In a joint Instagram post, designer Erin Fetherston and her husband, Gabe Saporta, shared memories with their "best friend." "What an honor it was to have a seat at your table and to call you a best friend," the couple wrote via Instagram. "The space you leave behind can never be filled, but we will do our best to shower your beautiful family with love and remember to keep dancing in your honor - because you always knew the importance of joy." Stars React to James Van Der Beek's Death at 48: Melissa Joan Hart, More Mehcad Brooks Law & Order actor Mehcad Brooks seemingly confirmed that he was able to spend quality time with James Van Der Beek before his passing. "Being there with you these past days has been the greatest honor of my life," Brooks wrote in the comments section of James' Instagram post. "Until we meet again my beautiful brother."