Jared Van Der Beek, the younger brother of actor James Van Der Beek, has publicly spoken for the first time since his brother's death, describing the profound grief of losing someone so close.
In a statement posted on Instagram on Friday, Jared wrote: “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 when you lose someone close to you. There is a feeling of devastation and pain that runs so deep in the heart, I didn't know it would hurt so badly. He was my person, the one I went to for any and all things. I've looked up to him since I was born. He has never failed to be there for me whenever I needed him.”
He went on to express gratitude for the support received, adding: “It has been wonderful reading and seeing how he touched so many lives not because of something he did, but because of who he was. He shared with an open heart and with his wise soul. As painful as this pain deep in the heart is, the healing has already begun with all the outpouring of love, prayers, and support. I truly thank all of you have taken the time to reach out, letting me know that you're there.”
Jared also praised those who were present at his brother's passing, saying: “The community of people who were intimately involved in his passing were nothing short of amazing. Thank you to everyone known and unknown who helped his transition be as beautiful as possible.”
James Van Der Beek died on 11 February after a battle with colorectal cancer. He was 48. The Van Der Beek family announced his death in an Instagram statement, saying he “passed peacefully this morning” and “met his final days with courage, faith, and grace”. They requested “peaceful privacy” while grieving their “loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend”.
