James Van Der Beek Had Reportedly Stopped Costly Treatment in Final Weeks Before Passing

James Van Der Beek was a picture of strength and hope amid his health battle, but he reportedly gave up weeks before he succumbed to cancer. According to a new report, the Dawson's Creek star decided to stop his treatment, which had already strained their family's finances.

Van Der Beek was full of optimism and even had plans to start his New Year in the spring. Unfortunately, he didn't make it, and the late actor had seemingly lost hope as he faced the grim reality of how cancer had taken a toll on his health and finances.

'James Wanted Peace'

Van Der Beek opened up about his Stage 3 colorectal cancer diagnosis in 2024. At the time, he had been battling the illness for months already.

His treatment required constant medical appointments and treatments, affecting his work. He had been eager to recover, but an unnamed source told the Daily Mail that he 'had not been in treatment for a while because there was nothing more the doctors could do.'

Van Der Beek's cancer was 'aggressive.' So, he decided to focus his last few weeks with his family.

'James wanted peace the last few weeks of his life,' the tipster said.

He reportedly spent his last weeks in a hospice with his family. He was reportedly 'so ill' and 'weak.'

In January, Van Der Beek shared a video questioning why the New Year is in January.

'Why are we celebrating a New Year in the dead of winter? Why are we celebrating new beginnings at a time when nature rests,' he asked.

The actor said the annual event should have been celebrated in the spring, when the flowers bloom, the birds fly, and the climate is warmer, not when the animals are hibernating. Van Der Beek seemed hopeful about surviving his illness, with plans to begin his new year in the spring.

'I'm gonna take the winter to recover, to rest, and I'm gonna make New Year's resolutions in the spring,' he said.

Financial Strain

Van Der Beek's costly treatment as he battled cancer for two years had significantly impacted his finances. This is probably the reason he decided to quit his medication. The late actor was married to Kimberly Van Der Beek, and they shared six kids -- Olivia, 15; Joshua, 13; Annabel, 12; Emilia, 9; Gwendolyn, 7; and Jeremiah, 4.

Due to the mounting costs of chemotherapy and specialist care, in November 2025, Van Der Beek decided to auction some personal items. He did so to fund his ongoing treatment.

Among the cherished items he put on auction were iconic pieces from his hit TV series, Dawson's Creek. He sold the silver necklace that his character gifted to Katie Holmes' Joey Potter and Dawson's orange flannel shirt. His personal collection also included the cleats he wore in the 1999 sports-comedy, Varsity Blues.

'It costs a lot of money to support a large family,' a friend previously told the Daily Mail. 'So the bills are crazy. From the mortgage and car payments to all the food and health insurance payments - I mean, it's a heavy load. Then tack on the medical bills. It's not fun.'

Following his passing, Van Der Beek's friends launched a GoFundMe page to 'support' his family. The money raised will 'help cover essential living expenses, pay bills, and support the children's education.' As of writing, it has already raised £1.1 million ($1.6 million).

James Van Der Beek's Cause of Death

Kimberly Van Der Beek announced her husband's passing on Instagram on Wednesday. She asked for privacy as the family mourned the loss and did not share the cause of death. The widow, however, said that he 'met his final days with courage, faith, and grace.'

It is believed that Van Der Beek succumbed to cancer. The actor had battled the aggressive disease for two years.