Stacy Keibler Reflects on Sacred Final Days with James Van Der Beek
Former WWE star Stacy Keibler has described her time with James Van Der Beek during his final days as "a true gift from God" following the actor's death on Wednesday. The Dawson's Creek star passed away at age 48 after being diagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancer in August 2023.
A Sunset Moment Captured Forever
Keibler, 46, shared an emotional Instagram tribute alongside a sunset photograph showing her kneeling beside Van Der Beek's wheelchair as they smiled and conversed. "Spending these final days with you has been a true gift from God," she wrote in her caption directed at @vanderjames.
The retired wrestler, who appeared on Dancing With The Stars in 2006—thirteen years before Van Der Beek joined the cast—detailed how their time together taught her profound lessons about presence and acceptance.
"I have never been so present in my life," Keibler continued. "When you know time is sacred, you don't waste a single breath. You don't rush. You don't scroll. You don't worry about tomorrow. You sit. You listen. You hold hands. You watch the sky change colors and you let it change you too."
Wisdom Shared Under Changing Skies
Keibler revealed intimate details about their final conversations, describing how they watched sunsets together while Van Der Beek shared his wisdom and hopes for the future.
"The other night we watched the sunset together as you shared your wisdom, your hopes, and the promises we made to each other," she wrote. "We talked about how this world can feel upside down…and how maybe heaven needs your spirit now to help steady us down here."
In a poignant moment, Keibler noted that "just as the sun slipped away, a shooting star crossed the sky…as if to remind us that none of this is random."
A Legacy of Strength and Devotion
The tribute highlighted Van Der Beek's character as both a family man and public figure. "You are a gift. An incredible husband. An extraordinary dad," Keibler wrote. "The way you showed up for @vanderkimberly and your children… steady, strong, devoted…was a blessing to witness."
Remarkably, Keibler observed that Van Der Beek's smile "never left" him throughout his health struggles, and she expressed feeling his spiritual presence already.
"That smile never left you. You have given this world so many gifts," she reflected. "Your presence was a bright light in my life, and in so many others. And while your physical body may no longer be here, I know your spirit is doing big things. I feel it already."
Family Confirms Peaceful Passing
Van Der Beek's loved ones confirmed his passing in an emotional Instagram statement: "Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning. He met his final days with courage, faith, and grace."
The statement continued: "There is 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."
Surviving Family and Support
James Van Der Beek is survived by his wife, Kimberly Van Der Beek, 44, and their six children:
- Olivia, 15
- Joshua, 13
- Annabel, 12
- Emilia, 9
- Gwendolyn, 7
- Jeremiah, 4
A GoFundMe page was launched on Wednesday with a $500,000 goal to support Van Der Beek's family. Kimberly acknowledged the effort on her Instagram Stories, writing: "My friends created this link to support me and our children during this time. With gratitude and a broken heart."
Celebrity Tributes Pour In
The family's announcement received supportive responses from numerous celebrities including:
- Jennifer Garner
- Sarah Michelle Gellar
- Lucy Hale
- Christie Brinkley
- Rumer Willis
Designer Erin Fetherston also posted her own tribute to Van Der Beek on Instagram, adding to the growing memorials from friends and colleagues.
Keibler's Lasting Message
In her concluding thoughts, Keibler offered what she believes to be Van Der Beek's final lesson: "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."
"Thank you for changing me," she wrote. "I will carry you with me. Always."
