James Van Der Beek‘s ex-wife Heather McComb is breaking her silence after his death.
On Wednesday (February 11), the Dawson’s Creek star passed away after battling colorectal cancer since August 2023. He was 48.
The following day, the 48-year-old Party of Five actress – who was married to James from 2003 to 2009 – took to Instagram to pen a touching tribute in his memory.
Keep reading to find out more…“Thank you for everyone who has reached out. I appreciate and feel all your love,” Heather began. “I am heartbroken over the loss of beloved James. I am especially heartbroken for his incredible wife Kimberly, his beautiful children and his amazing family, Jim, Jared, Juliana and all of his family and friends who I know he loved deeply.”
“This picture is from my 21st birthday,” she continued. “Dawson’s Creek hadn’t even aired yet. This is how I will always see James innocent, kind and pure of heart. What a journey we shared over the years. I sit here in immense gratitude for the special connection, friendship and love that James and I shared that has endured through decades. I will treasure the last loving words we exchanged. James was a beautiful soul filled with so much light, love, talent, humor, depth, sensitivity, knowledge and a deep love of God that shined through him.”
Heather added, “He shined so bright yet was so humble and human. Always searching, always growing, always going deeper, always chasing things outside his comfort zone. I know that James loved being a father so much and oh how he loved Kimberly with his everything. True soulmates. How she showed up for him with such grace is so beautiful and something I will forever admire. James was a blessing to all that knew him and because of his boldness to share his journey with the world so bravely is now a blessing to all.”
“God please hold Kimberly, his children, his family and everyone who is mourning his loss in your arms. You are the healer of all healers,” she wrote. “Thank you Jesus for bringing this beautiful soul into the world and into all of our lives. I love you James. I know you had a lot of loved ones up there welcoming you home. God bless you. Till we meet again you sweet soul you. Prayers up 🙏❤️”
“James family meant everything to him please help cover them during this difficult season,” Heather concluded, while also sharing a link to the Van Der Beek family’s GoFundMe, which has already raised over $1 million.
Following his split from Heather, James went on to marry Kimberly in 2010 and they share six kids – Olivia, 15, Joshua, 13, Annabel, 12, Emilia, 9½, Gwendolyn, 7, and Jeremiah, 4.
If you didn’t see, James‘ Dawson’s Creek co-star Katie Holmes also spoke out after his death.