James Van Der Beek’s actor pal Alfonso Ribeiro has shared a heartbreaking photo of their “last goodbye”.
The Dawson’s Creek star passed away at the age of 48 on February 11th, after a two-year battle with colon cancer.
Taking to Instagram following the news of his death, The Fresh Prince of Bel Air star shared an intimate picture of his last moment with James before he died.
He captioned the post: “This was taken by @vanderkimberly just a few minutes before I said my last goodbye.”
“My last moment was making him laugh one last time. I really miss him already.”
The pair were close friends, and Alfonso is Godfather to James’ seven-year-old daughter Gwendolyn.
James competed on Season 28 of Dancing with the Stars, which Alfonso co-hosts with Julianne Hough, back in 2019 with pro partner Emma Slater.
Earlier this week, Alfonso also shared a touching tribute to James on his Instagram feed.
Sharing a photo of them together, he wrote: “I’m so broken right now with the passing of my friend @vanderjames today. He was my true friend brother and life guide.
“I was with him through this horrible journey to beat cancer. His family and friends went on this roller coaster ride. The highs when it looked like he had it beat to the breaking lows of it coming back.
“I’ve learned so much from James. He and @vanderkimberly changed my life. I will forever be in debt for all they’ve given me and my family. He will live forever in my heart. I will always be there for their children.”
“I will always hold my role as Gwen’s Goddie daddy as one of the most important roles of my life. I love you James and know I have a guardian angel watching over me.
“Being able to say goodbye this weekend will always live with me. RIP my brother. RIP,” he added.
The beloved actor, who was diagnosed with Stage 3 colorectal cancer in August 2023, left behind his wife of 16 years, Kimberly, and their six children.
Following the news of his death, a GoFundMe was created to help cover his family’s essential living expenses, pay bills and support his kids’ education.
It’s understood that the family were left “out of funds” due to the expense of James’ medical care.
“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,” the page reads.
“Every donation, no matter the size, will help Kimberly and her family find hope and security as they rebuild their lives,” it added. “Thank you for considering a gift to support them.”
Although the original goal was $500,000, over $2 million has now been donated to the page.
Actress Zoe Saldaña showed her support by donating $2,500 a month to James’ family following his death.
Famed director Steven Spielberg and his wife Kate Capshaw donated $25,000, while Wicked director Jon M. Chu reportedly donated $10,000 to the GoFundMe page.
Music talent manager and investor Guy Oseary, and Cameo co-founder Martin Blencowe, also donated $10,000 each to the Van Der Beek family.
Other stars who have supported the GoFundMe include his Dawson’s Creek co-star Busy Phillips, as well as Jenna Dewan, Derek Hough, Ricki Lake, Kaley Cuoco, and Miranda Kerr.
