Dawson's Creek creator Kevin Williamson reminded Kimberly Van Der Beek that she is family after the death of her husband, James Van Der Beek. "To Kimberly, With much love, we are here for you," Williamson, 60, wrote via Instagram on Thursday, February 12, one day after James died at age 48 following a battle with cancer. "Your Dawson's Creek family will always be here for you and your beautiful family." Williamson - who has known James since he was in his early 20s while filming the WB series - noted how touching it was to see all the tributes to the late actor while trying to figure out how to honor him in just the right way. "To everyone, thank you for your outpouring of love. It has been felt," Williamson continued. "Several times today, from my heart, I've tried to form the words to express the beautiful brilliance of James and what his presence has meant to my life. But I am truly at a loss for words." 'Dawson's Creek' Cast Reacts to James Van Der Beek's Death at Age 48 He added, "I will have to trust that one day those words will come ... But today, all I can think about is Kimberly and the entire Van Der Beek family. My heart is with you. K." Williamson and James forged a lifelong friendship after James was cast as the lead, Dawson Leery, on Dawson's Creek. The WB series ran from 1998 to 2003 and documented Dawson's coming-of-age story alongside his childhood best friends, neighbor Joey Potter (Katie Holmes) and Pacey Witter (Joshua Jackson), as well as teen friend Jen Lindley (Michelle Williams), who moved from New York to live with her grandma. After James announced in November 2024 that he was diagnosed with stage III colorectal cancer, his Dawson's Creek family rallied around him with support. Kimberly and James Van Der Beek. Rick Kern/Getty Images for Hilarity for Charity The cast came together in September 2025 for a one-night only event in New York City where they read the show's pilot to raise money for the nonprofit charity F Cancer. (James did not attend in person, but did send a video message for fans and his costars.) Throughout James' health highs and lows, his wife, Kimberly, 44, whom he wed in August 2010, has been by his side. Inside the 'Dawson's Creek' Cast's Enduring Friendships - And Upcoming Reunion The couple - who share daughters Olivia, Annabel, Emilia and Gwendolyn and sons Joshua and Jeremiah - were honest about the struggles James faced during his cancer battle as they lived out his last days in Texas. James' family announced his death on Wednesday, February 11, writing via an Instagram statement, "Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning. He met his final days with courage, faith, and grace." James Van Der Beek, Kevin Williamson. Courtesy of Kevin Williamson/Instagram The actor's loved ones added: "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." Once the news made headlines, Kimberly shared a GoFundMe page created by her friends in hopes of helping with the family's medical expenses now that James is gone. "James Van Der Beek was a beloved husband, father, and friend who touched the lives of everyone around him," the GoFundMe page read. "After a long and courageous battle with cancer, James passed away on February 11, 2026 leaving behind his devoted wife, Kimberly, and their six wonderful children. Throughout his illness, the family faced not only emotional challenges but also significant financial strain as they did everything possible to support James and provide for his care." Katie Holmes, James Van Der Beek, Michelle Williams and Joshua Jackson. Warner Bros. The page noted that Kimberly and her kids are "facing an uncertain future" after James' death. "The costs of James's medical care and the extended fight against cancer have left the family out of funds," the fundraiser's description continued. "They are working hard to stay in their home and to ensure the children can continue their education and maintain some stability during this incredibly difficult time." Williamson was one of many celebrities who shared the GoFundMe page on his social media account and donated. Williamson is also just one of the Dawson's Creek crew who has paid tribute to James since his death. 'Dawson's Creek' Cast Quotes About James Van Der Beek's Cancer Battle Holmes, for her part, wrote a letter to her late costar on Thursday morning, sharing it via Instagram. "James, thank you. To share space with your imagination is sacred - breathing the same air in the land of make-believe and trusting that each other's hearts are safe in their expression," Holmes, 47, began her handwritten letter. "These are some of the memories, along with laughter, conversations about life, James Taylor songs - adventures of a unique youth ..." She continued: "Bravery. Compassion. Selflessness. Strength. An appreciation for li