by Stephanie SoteriouBuzzFeedBuzzFeed Staff Alfonso Ribeiro is being defended after his decision to share his emotional final photo with James Van Der Beek sparked backlash online. Kristina Bumphrey / Getty Images On Wednesday, James's wife, Kimberly, took to Instagram to confirm news reports that James had died less than three years after he was diagnosed with colorectal cancer. Jc Olivera / Getty Images "Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning. He met his final days with courage, faith, and grace," she wrote.