James Van Der Beek’s Last Days Captured in Intimate Photos Shared by Friends After Passing

James Van Der Beek’s close friends shared intimate photos capturing the actor’s final days before his tragic death on February 11. Among those paying tribute was former WWE star Stacy Keibler, who revealed she had spent time with the “Dawson’s Creek” alum shortly before his passing.

Keibler posted a heartfelt Instagram tribute on Wednesday, sharing a photo from their final visit. In the image, Van Der Beek appears frail and seated in a wheelchair as Keibler crouches beside him, the two taking in a peaceful sunset together.

Several of James Van Der Beek’s close friends shared photos of the actor during his final days before his tragic death Wednesday morning.

Former WWE star Stacy Keibler shared a photo from her final visit with James Van Der Beek on Instagram Wednesday, showing the “Dawson’s Creek” alum seated in a wheelchair and appearing visibly frail.

“Spending these final days with you has been a true gift from God. I have never been so present in my life,” Keibler began in a lengthy caption accompanying the image.

“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,” she continued.

Keibler added that the time she spent with Van Der Beek — who died at 48 following a battle with colorectal cancer — “taught [her] more about being present than any book ever could,” and said he “showed [her] what it looks like to trust God’s plan.”

Keibler detailed their final moments and praised the actor for continuing to be an “incredible husband” to his wife Kimberly Van Der Beek (pictured here).

“The other night we watched the sunset together as you shared your wisdom, your hopes, and the promises we made to each other,” Keibler wrote in her tribute.

She went on to praise Van Der Beek as an “incredible husband” to his wife, Kimberly Van Der Beek, and an “extraordinary dad” to their six children — Olivia, 14, Joshua, 13, Annabel, 12, Emilia, 8, Gwendolyn, 6, and Jeremiah, 3 — noting that he remained devoted to his family throughout his years-long battle with colorectal cancer.

“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 revealed in an emotional Instagram post that she was by the “Dawson’s Creek” star’s side during his final days.

Designer Erin Fetherston shared another photo of the actor — seemingly in his final days — where he was in a bed and she stood over him holding his hand.

Designer Erin Fetherston also paid tribute to James Van Der Beek, thanking him for “always showing up” for her and calling it “an honor” to be his friend.

Fetherston shared a carousel of photos on Instagram, with the final image appearing to be the most recent. In that photo, Van Der Beek is seen lying in bed as she stands beside him, holding his hand in a quiet, emotional moment.

“Brother James, You were loved by the whole world, but to us — you were Uncle James,” she wrote in her heartfelt caption.

She reflected on the many times Van Der Beek and his wife, Kimberly, dropped everything to support her and her family, expressing gratitude for his unwavering presence and loyalty.

Fetherston added that it was “an honor” to call the former “Dancing With the Stars” contestant her best friend and vowed to look after his family following his death.

She also promised to look after Kimberly and their six children now that he’s gone.

Alfonso Ribeiro also revealed that he was able to be by James Van Der Beek’s side throughout his battle with cancer.

Sharing a photo with the “Varsity Blues” actor, the “Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” alum wrote in the caption that he stood “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,” Ribeiro shared.

Ribeiro, who is the godfather to James and Kimberly Van Der Beek’s daughter Gwendolyn, said the role remains “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,” he concluded.

Alfonso Ribeiro, who serves as godfather to one of James Van Der Beek’s daughters, said he will always cherish the role as “one of the most important of [his] life.”

Kimberly Van Der Beek announced that James Van Der Beek died Wednesday morning following a years-long battle with colorectal cancer.

The actor’s wife confirmed the beloved ’90s star’s death in a joint statement shared on Instagram.

“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.”