Stacy Keibler posts final-days photo of James Van Der Beek in wheelchair
AUSTIN, TEXAS: Former WWE star Stacy Keibler has shared a heartbreaking photo and tribute honoring her close friend James Van Der Beek following his death on February 11. The emotional post offered a rare glimpse into the actor’s final days, showing him seated in a wheelchair as Keibler sat beside him.
Keibler’s message reflected on faith, presence, and the deep bond she shared with the ‘Dawson's Creek’ star, who had revealed in late 2024 that he was battling colorectal cancer. While an official cause of death has not yet been announced, his family has said he faced his final days with courage, grace, and unwavering faith.
Stacy Keibler says spending time with James Van Der Beek ‘was a true gift from God'
Remembering her final moments with the actor, Keibler wrote on Instagram, “@vanderjames Spending these final days with you has been a true gift from God. I have never been so present in my life.”
The retired professional wrestler explained that Van Der Beek taught her more about being present than any book ever could.
“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 added.
Stacy Keibler remembers James Van Der Beek as ‘an incredible husband’
Keibler also reflected on Van Der Beek’s strength and faith as he faced death.
“You showed me what it looks like to trust God’s plan, even when it breaks your heart,” she wrote, calling him “a gift. An incredible husband. An extraordinary dad.”
She noted that despite traveling the world while battling serious illness, the actor never lost his warmth or signature smile.
“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,” Keibler shared.
Stacy Keibler says James Van Der Beek’s presence ‘was a bright light’ in her life
Keibler emphasized the lasting impact Van Der Beek had on her and so many others.
“You have given this world so many gifts. Your presence was a bright light in my life, and in so many others,” she wrote, adding that she believes his spirit continues to live on in powerful ways.
She concluded with a message inspired by his life: “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”
James Van Der Beek’s family says he faced his final days with courage
Van Der Beek’s wife, Kimberly, announced his passing in an online statement.
“Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning. He met his final days with courage, faith, and grace,” the statement read.
“For now we ask for peaceful privacy as we grieve our loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend,” she added.
