Alfonso Ribeiro shared a heartfelt photo capturing his final moments with James Van Der Beek before the actor passed away Wednesday after nearly three years battling colorectal cancer.
Ribeiro posted the intimate image on Instagram Thursday, showing him holding Van Der Beek close at his bedside. The “Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” star appeared deeply emotional as he cradled Van Der Beek’s head.
He revealed that the photo was taken by Van Der Beek’s wife, Kimberly, just minutes before Ribeiro said his “last goodbye.”
“My last moment was making him laugh one last time,” Ribeiro wrote. “I really miss him already.”
Ribeiro said he made James Van Der Beek laugh “one last time.”
He also shared a throwback photo of the two in happier moments on his Instagram Stories, writing, “So much love lived in this friendship.”
Van Der Beek competed on Season 28 of “Dancing with the Stars”, which Ribeiro co-hosts alongside Julianne Hough, with professional dance partner Emma Slater in 2019.
Ribeiro previously expressed that he was “broken” over the death of his close friend and revealed he is the godfather of Van Der Beek’s 7-year-old daughter, Gwendolyn.
“He was my true friend, brother, and life guide. I was with him through this horrible journey to beat cancer,” Ribeiro wrote in a somber Instagram post.
He added that he learned so much from his late friend and that both James and his wife, Kimberly, had a profound impact on his life.
“I will forever be in debt for all they’ve given me and my family,” Ribeiro wrote. “He will live forever in my heart. I will always be there for their children. Holding my role as Gwen’s Goddie daddy will always be one of the most important roles of my life.”
He added, “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 Van Der Beek shared on Instagram that her husband “passed peacefully” Wednesday morning, facing his final days with courage, faith, and grace.
Since his passing, there has been an outpouring of support for the “Dawson’s Creek” star from fans and fellow celebrities alike.
A GoFundMe was launched by James Van Der Beek’s friends to support his wife, Kimberly, and their six children — Gwendolyn, Olivia (14), Joshua (13), Annabel (12), Emilia (8), and Jeremiah (3) — and has already raised over $1 million.
The fundraising page explained that the family was “out of funds” due to medical bills from James’ illness and faced “an uncertain future.”
Celebrity donors have included Zoe Saldana, who committed to a recurring $2,500 monthly donation, as well as Derek Hough, Ricki Lake, Lydia Hearst, and Kaley Cuoco.
Close friends of James have also shared touching tributes, including former WWE star Stacy Keibler, who posted a photo of the two enjoying a sunset. In the image, James appeared frail and was seated in a wheelchair.
The GoFundMe for James Van Der Beek’s family has already raised over $1 million.
Former WWE star Stacy Keibler shared an emotional tribute, writing, “Spending these final days with you has been a true gift from God. I have never been so present in my life.”
She added, “The other night we watched the sunset together as you shared your wisdom, your hopes, and the promises we made to each other. 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.”
