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In the days leading up to James Van Der Beek’s untimely passing on February 11, those closest to him shared poignant glimpses into his final moments.
Among them was former WWE star Stacy Keibler, who posted a heartfelt photo on Instagram this Wednesday, capturing a cherished visit with the beloved actor.
The image features Van Der Beek, known for his iconic role in “Dawson’s Creek,” seated in a wheelchair, looking noticeably frail. Beside him, Keibler is crouched, both of them taking in a serene sunset together.
Keibler’s emotional caption reflects on the preciousness of those final moments. “Spending these last days with you has been a divine blessing,” she expressed. “I’ve never been more present in my life.”
She continued, “When you understand that time is limited, every breath becomes valuable. There’s no rush, no mindless scrolling, no anxiety about what’s to come. You simply sit, listen, hold hands, and watch the sky’s colors transform, allowing it to transform you as well.”
The athlete wrote that spending the past few days with Van Der Beek — who died after a battle with colorectal cancer at just 48 — “taught [her] more about being present than any book ever could” and that he “showed [her] what it looks like to trust God’s plan.”
“The other night we watched the sunset together as you shared your wisdom, your hopes, and the promises we made to each other.”
She praised her late friend for being an “incredible husband” to his wife, Kimberly Van Der Beek, and “extraordinary dad” to his and Kimberly’s six children — Olivia, 14, Joshua, 13, Annabel, 12, Emilia, 8, Gwendolyn, 6, and Jeremiah, 3 — even throughout his years-long cancer battle.
“Maybe the lesson you leave us with is this: The present moment is everything. Love the people in front of you. Say the words. Watch the sunset. Trust God, even when you don’t understand,” Keibler concluded.
Designer Erin Fetherston also confirmed that she was by the actor’s side in his final days in her own emotional Instagram post.
Fetherston posted a carousel of pics, with the last side seemingly being the most recent, showing James in bed as she stood over him and held his hand.
“Brother James, You were loved by the whole world, but to us — you were Uncle James,” she penned.
She thanked James for “always showing up” and recalled several times when he and Kimberly dropped everything to help her and her family.
Fetherston said it was “an honor” to call the “Dancing With the Stars” alum a best friend, and promised to look after his family now that he is gone.
James’ close friend Alfonso Ribeiro also shared a photo with the “Varsity Blues” actor, writing in the caption that he was able to be “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,” the “Fresh Prince of Bel Air” alum penned.
Ribeiro is godfather to James and Kimberly’s daughter Gwen — a role he says he will always hold on to as “one of the most important of [his] 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.”
Kimberly announced the beloved ’90s star’s death via a joint Instagram statement Wednesday.
“Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning,” she wrote.
“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.”