by Stephanie SoteriouBuzzFeedBuzzFeed StaffI've been a pop culture journalist for over 10 years, which is both a terrifying and amazing concept - who would have thought that my love of celebrity gossip would literally pay my bills? Last week, it was announced that beloved actor James Van Der Beek had died at age 48, less than three years after he was diagnosed with colorectal cancer. Emma Mcintyre / Getty Images In a statement that was shared to the star's Instagram profile, his wife, Kimberly, wrote: "Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning. He met his final days with courage, faith, and grace. 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." Robyn Beck / Getty Images In addition to Kimberly, James is survived by six children aged between 15 and 4 years old. Instagram @vanderjames / Via Instagram: @https://www.instagram.com/vanderjames/p/C41mk_It_sn/?hl=en&img_index=1 James was best known for playing the titular character in the hit TV show Dawson's Creek, which aired between 1998 and 2003. He revealed his 2023 cancer diagnosis in 2024, and news of his death sparked heartfelt tributes across the globe from friends and fans alike. View this photo on Instagram Instagram @therealalfonsoribeiro / Via instagram.com However, in the days since James's passing, there has been some controversy stemming from a GoFundMe that was launched on the day he died. The fundraiser originally had a goal of $250K, which was raised to $1.5 million once donations started pouring in. Its description mentioned the "significant financial strain" that James's family has faced amid his cancer battle. David Livingston / Getty Images "In the wake of this loss, Kimberly and the children are facing an uncertain future," it goes on. "The costs of James's medical care and the extended fight against cancer have left the family out of funds. 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. The support of friends, family, and the wider community will make a world of difference as they navigate the road ahead." GoFundMe / Via gofundme.com "Your generosity will help cover essential living expenses, pay bills, and support the children's education," it concluded. "Every donation, no matter the size, will help Kimberly and her family find hope and security as they rebuild their lives. Thank you for considering a gift to support them." Rick Kern / Getty Images The GoFundMe hit its goal pretty quickly, and is currently at almost $2.7 million. However, it has faced some scrutiny from people questioning why such a large amount of money was required, which was only amplified when it was revealed that James had purchased the $4.8 million Texas ranch his family had been renting shortly before his death. For what it's worth, after the news broke, a representative for James said in a statement: "James secured down payment for the Texas ranch for the family with the help of friends through a trust so they could shift from rent to mortgage." GoFundMe / Via gofundme.com And now, people have been left shocked by an email that was sent by James's official merch store over orders that will no longer be able to be fulfilled. For reference, back in November, James listed signed Varsity Blues jerseys for sale in a bid to raise money for his treatment. It is not known how much these jerseys were originally listed for, but unsigned jerseys are still available to buy from the store for $115. Everett Collection At the time of ordering, customers were told that the jerseys could take 10 to 12 weeks to ship, and at the time of James's death, not everybody had received their purchase. Ray Tamarra / Getty Images Earlier this week, those customers received an email telling them that James's passing meant that their order of a signed jersey could no longer be fulfilled. They were given two options: to receive the unsigned jersey with a partial refund, or receive the unsigned jersey with no refund, "in which case 100% of the proceeds will go directly to James's family - his wife, Kimberly Van Der Beek, and their six beautiful children: Olivia, Joshua, Annabel, Emilia, Gwendolyn, and Jeremiah." BuzzFeed The email, which has been independently verified by BuzzFeed, goes on: "We want to be fully transparent that any refunds will be deducted from the proceeds being sent directly to James's family, which will reduce the overall support they receive. We deeply appreciate your understanding and generosity during this incredibly difficult time." BuzzFeed There is then a "Supporting the Van Der Beek Family" subheading, under which it reads: "In the wake of this unimaginable loss, Kimberly and the children are facing an uncertain future. The significant costs of James's medical