by Natasha JokicBuzzFeedBuzzFeed Staff James Van Der Beek's family friend has set up a GoFundMe following his death. JC Olivera/GA / The Hollywood Reporter via Getty Images The Dawson's Creek actor died yesterday after being diagnosed with colorectal cancer in 2024. He is survived by his wife Kimberly and six children, aged between 15 and 5. Ron Galella, Ltd. / Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images Last December, the actor auctioned off a number of pieces of memorabilia "to help with the financial cost of fighting cancer.