James Van Der Beek Secured Down Payment for Family’s Texas Ranch with Help from Friends Before His Death: Rep

Prior to his death, James Van Der Beek secured a down payment for the Texas ranch that he and his family had previously been renting.

A representative for the actor said that before he died at age 48 on Feb. 11 following a battle with stage 3 colorectal cancer, Van Der Beek arranged a down payment on the Austin-area ranch where he had been living with his wife, Kimberly Van Der Beek, and their six children.

“James secured a down payment for the Texas ranch for the family with the help of friends through a trust so they could shift from rent to mortgage,” the representative said.

In 2020, Van Der Beek and his family permanently left Beverly Hills, California, and relocated to Austin. They share six children: daughters Olivia, 15, Annabel, 12, Emilia, 9, and Gwendolyn, 7, and sons Joshua, 13, and Jeremiah, 4.

In a November 2022 interview, the actor described life in Texas as a “centering” experience for their family. He said the move helped his children feel more grounded and offered them lessons they wouldn’t have received in a traditional classroom.

He also said that after relocating, they were able to slow down and reconnect — both with one another and with nature. “They jump around,” he said of his children. “They sing, ‘rain, rain come today,’ and they run out in it, because we need it.”

“It’s just connected us, not just to nature, but to the natural life cycles all around us,” he added.

After Van Der Beek’s death, friends of the family organized a GoFundMe to help with expenses, saying the costs of his medical care left the family “out of funds.”

The fundraiser said donations would help cover essential living expenses, pay bills, and support the children’s education. It raised more than $2.2 million in its first 48 hours.

“In the wake of this loss, Kimberly and the children are facing an uncertain future,” the fundraiser description said. “The costs of James’s medical care and the extended fight against cancer have left the family out of funds. They are working hard to stay in their home and to ensure the children can continue their education and maintain some stability during this incredibly difficult time. The support of friends, family, and the wider community will make a world of difference as they navigate the road ahead.”

In an update posted the next day, organizers thanked donors for their support, calling it a source of comfort during a painful time.

“Your kindness has meant more than we can put into words. In the middle of deep grief, your support has been a light. It reminds us that love is real, that community is strong, and that James’s spirit continues to bring people together,” the statement read.

The update added that the family is taking time to mourn and asked for privacy as they grieve. Organizers also urged supporters to keep Van Der Beek’s wife and loved ones in their thoughts and prayers, and thanked them for honoring his life “with compassion, generosity, and love.”