James Van Der Beek’s brother Jared has shared a heartbreaking tribute to his sibling in the wake of his death.
Jared, 47, took to Instagram on Friday, February 13 to open about his feelings of loss after the Dawson’s Creek star’s death. (James died on Wednesday, February 11 following a stage III colorectal cancer battle. He was 48.)
“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,” Jared wrote.
He added, “There is a feeling of devastation and pain that runs so deep in the heart, I didn’t know it would hurt so badly.”
Alongside a carousel of throwback photos of their family over the years, Jared paid tribute to James and shared more details of their close connection.
“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,” Jared wrote.
He continued: “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. 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.”
Concluding the post, Jared said he missed James and will always love him.
“James, I already miss your physical being and your words of wisdom over the phone. Yet, I also feel your presence so strongly and I know you will continue to be guiding me,” he wrote. “Thank you for living your life with me. I love you.”
Followers shared their support for Jared in the comments section, including James’ former Dawson’s Creek costar Kerr Smith.
“Jared…I’m so sorry for your loss. I’m still having trouble processing all of this,” Smith, 53, wrote. “I can’t even imagine what you’re going through. Please know you’re in my thoughts. ❤️🙏😢”
Family friend Erin Fetherston added, “This is so beautiful Jared. You were there for him in the most incredible way. What a gift it was to witness your brotherhood. God bless you and your family ❤️.”
James’ death was announced via a statement made via his social media accounts on Wednesday.
“Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning. He met his final days with courage, faith and grace,” the statement read. “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.”
In the wake of his death, a GoFundMe campaign has been set up to raise funds for his widow Kimberly Van Der Beek and the couple’s six children.
