Several celebrities came to the defense of James Van Der Beek's family after a GoFundMe was created on their behalf following the actor's death. Van Der Beek died on February 11, 2026, at age 48, after a battle with stage III colorectal cancer. "Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning. He met his final days with courage, faith and grace," a social media statement read. "There is much to share regarding his wishes, love for humanity and the sacredness of time. Those days will come.