When news breaks that a figure tied to so many formative memories is gone, the reaction is rarely confined to one industry. The passing of James Van Der Beek at just 48 has prompted an outpouring of grief far beyond Hollywood, including from members of the professional wrestling world who considered him part of their extended circle.
Van Der Beek, best known for his starring role on Dawson’s Creek and his performance in Varsity Blues, died on February 11 following a battle with colorectal cancer. His family confirmed the news via Instagram, writing, “Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning.” The statement described his final days as filled with “courage, faith, and grace,” and asked for privacy as loved ones mourn.
Among those honoring him publicly was former WWE star Stacy Keibler, who shared an intimate reflection on social media about spending time with the actor during his final days. Her tribute was less about celebrity and more about presence.
“Spending these final days with you has been a true gift from God. I have never been so present in my life,” Keibler wrote. She described how time seemed to slow down when faced with its fragility. “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.”
Keibler’s message painted a portrait of quiet strength, recalling conversations at sunset and what she framed as a spiritual acceptance of fate. “You showed me what it looks like to trust God’s plan, even when it breaks your heart. Especially when it breaks your heart.” She added that his smile never faded, even during his most difficult moments, and concluded with a sentiment that resonated widely: “We may have lost a good one here on earth… but heaven gained something extraordinary.”
Spending these final days with you has been a true gift from God. I have never been so present in my life.
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.
In these past days, you taught me more about being present than any book ever could. You showed me what it looks like to trust God’s plan, even when it breaks your heart. Especially when it breaks your heart.
The other night we watched the sunset together as you shared your wisdom, your hopes, and the promises we made to each other. We talked about how this world can feel upside down…and how maybe heaven needs your spirit now to help steady us down here. And just as the sun slipped away, a shooting star crossed the sky…as if to remind us that none of this is random.
You are a gift. An incredible husband. An extraordinary dad. The way you showed up for @vanderkimberly and your children…steady, strong, devoted…was a blessing to witness. It has been an honor to stand beside your family in these sacred moments.
It’s pretty incredible how someone can fight so hard for so long, travel the world battling so much, and somehow still look so handsome doing it 🙂 That smile never left you.
You have given this world so many gifts. 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.We may have lost a good one here on earth… but heaven gained something extraordinary.
I will think of you every time I watch a sunset. Every time I see a rainbow stretch across the sky. I’ll know you’re there.And 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.
Thank you for changing me. I will carry you with me. Always 🤍
