James Van Der Beek’s brother Jared has shared a heartbreaking tribute to his sibling within the wake of his death.
Jared, 47, took to Instagram on Friday, February 13 to open about his feelings of loss after the Dawson’s Creek star’s death. (James died on Wednesday, February 11 following a stage III colorectal cancer battle. He was 48.)
“There’s a special bond that exists between brothers and two days ago, that physical bond was broken.I now know why people call it heartbreak whenever you lose someone near you,” Jared wrote.
He added, “There’s a sense of devastation and pain that runs so deep in the guts, I didn’t realize it would hurt so badly.”
Alongside a carousel of throwback photos of their family over time, Jared paid tribute to James and shared more details of their close connection.
“He was my person, the one I went to for any and all things. I’ve looked as much as him since I used to be born. He has never didn’t be there for me at any time when I needed him,” Jared wrote.
He continued: “It has been wonderful reading and seeing how he touched so many lives not due to something he did, but due to who he was. He shared with an open heart and along with his sensible soul. As painful as this pain deep in the guts is, the healing has already begun with all of the outpouring of affection, prayers, and support. I actually thank all of you will have taken the time to achieve out, letting me know that you just’re there. The community of people that were intimately involved in his passing were nothing short of fantastic. Thanks to everyone known and unknown who helped his transition be as beautiful as possible.”
Concluding the post, Jared said he missed James and can at all times love him.
“James, I already miss your physical being and your words of wisdom over the phone. Yet, I also feel your presence so strongly and I do know you’ll proceed to be guiding me,” he wrote. “Thanks for living your life with me. I really like you.”
Followers shared their support for Jared within the comments section, including James’ former Dawson’s Creek costar Kerr Smith.
“Jared…I’m so sorry to your loss. I’m still having trouble processing all of this,” Smith, 53, wrote. “I can’t even imagine what you’re going through. Please know you’re in my thoughts. ❤️🙏😢”
Family friend Erin Fetherston added, “That is so beautiful Jared. You were there for him in probably the most incredible way. What a present it was to witness your brotherhood. God bless you and your loved ones ❤️.”
James’ death was announced via a press release made via his social media accounts on Wednesday.
“Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning. He met his final days with courage, faith and style,” the statement read. “There’s 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.”
Within the wake of his death, a GoFundMe campaign has been arrange to boost funds for his widow Kimberly Van Der Beek and the couple’s six children.