James Van Der Beek Remembered As ‘Kind And Pure’ By Ex-Wife

James Van Der Beek‘s legacy continues to live to tell the tale, as his ex-wife, Heather McComb, reflects on his kindness and enduring spirit.

McComb and the “Pose” actor married in 2003 before parting ways amicably in 2009. He later found love again with Kimberly, with whom he tied the knot in 2010.

The beloved star passed away on February 11 following a battle with colorectal cancer, a fight that reportedly left his family facing significant financial strain.

Hours after Van Der Beek’s death, McComb took a visit down memory lane, remembering their time together and his nature. She posted on Instagram an old photo of them smiling in one another’s arms. 

In her caption, McComb admitted she was heartbroken, adding that her prayers were especially together with his wife and youngsters before recalling the bond she maintained with him long after their marriage ended.

“That is how I’ll all the time see James, innocent, kind, and pure of heart,” McComb wrote. “What a journey we shared over time. I sit here in immense gratitude for the special connection, friendship, and love that James and I shared that has endured through a long time.”

McComb went on to notice that she would hold his parting words near her heart before sharing insights into his personality. She called him a “beautiful soul full of a lot light, love, talent, humor, depth, sensitivity, knowledge, and a deep love of God.”

She added that she would treasure his final words and described him as a “beautiful soul” radiating light, humor, talent, depth, and a deep love of God.

McComb also praised his courage in publicly sharing his health battle, noting that it inspired many, before offering continued prayers for the family he left behind.

McComb was removed from alone in mourning the actor’s loss as tributes quickly poured in from across Hollywood.

The Blast reported that actress and singer Jamie-Lynn Sigler honored him with a heartfelt message noting his impact on the planet.

“We’re the luckiest to have been a part of his tribe. Fly high, James,” Sigler shared. “ You were every thing good on this world.” 

Canadian actress Kathleen Robertson prolonged her condolences to Kimberly and the Van Der Beek family, while stop-motion animator Kevin Parry lamented that the “world has lost an important man.”

A few of Van Der Beek’s closest friends also opened up about their last memories with him.

In line with The Blast, WWE Hall of Famer Stacy Keibler revealed they spent their final time together watching sunsets and reminiscing about shared dreams and aspirations. 

She said those quiet moments at the moment are etched in her heart, adding that each sunset and rainbow will remind her of him. Keibler described the late actor as a radiant light in her life and within the lives of countless others.

Mechad Brooks also shared that their final days included prayer, laughter, and meaningful conversations.

He said Van Der Beek faced his fate with remarkable strength, a reminder to embrace life fully and joyfully.

Within the wake of Van Der Beek’s passing, a fundraiser was launched to support his wife and youngsters after mounting medical bills reportedly created financial hardship.

The campaign indicated the family was struggling to take care of their home while covering education expenses for his or her children.

The deceased actor had previously been candid in regards to the toll of his illness, revealing in November that he sold personal keepsakes from “Dawson’s Creek” to assist offset costs.

Nevertheless, as The Blast reported, after the fundraiser went public, some critics directed their frustration at Sony Pictures, questioning why the studio had not stepped in to help the actor, given the franchise’s long-term success. 

One indignant critic wrote, “F-ck @Sony for not even offering to assist James Van Der Beek during his time of need.”

The GoFundMe has since gained momentum, surpassing 20,000 donations, per The Blast. Several celebrities, including Zoë Saldaña and Derek Hough, contributed in support.

Amid the tragedy that has hit Hollywood, researchers have weighed in on dietary patterns which might be said to trigger colon cancers. 

As The Blast reported, a recent study suggests that consuming not less than one sugary soda or candy each day could also be related to an increased risk of late-stage colon cancer.

Colorectal cancer is currently the fourth most incessantly diagnosed cancer in the US and the second-deadliest type of the disease.

In line with projections from the American Cancer Society, about 154,270 Americans are expected to receive a diagnosis this 12 months, with an estimated 52,900 deaths.