Jared Van Der Beek delivered a heartfelt eulogy for his brother, James Van Der Beek, following the actor’s passing.
In a recent Instagram post, Jared shared a series of memories, starting with a touching photo of James supporting him at what looks like a graduation ceremony. He captioned it with “I love you, brother.”
“There is a unique bond between brothers, but sadly, that physical bond was severed two days ago,” Jared reflected.
“Now I understand why losing someone close feels like heartbreak. There’s this deep, devastating pain that I never knew could feel so intense. He meant everything to me; I’ve looked up to him my whole life. Whenever I needed him, he was always just a call away.”
As he copes with his brother’s death, Jared expressed, “I find comfort in reading about how he impacted so many lives. It wasn’t about what he did, but who he was.”
“He shared his heart openly and had a wise soul,” Jared continued, acknowledging the profound loss. “This internal pain is real, yet the flood of love and support we’ve received is helping us heal. We appreciate all those who have reached out during this time.”
Jared thanked the community that supported James in his passing, citing both known and unknown individuals who helped make his transition beautiful.
In his closing words directed to James, Jared said, “I love you,” sharing how much he already misses his brother’s physical presence and words of wisdom. “But I feel your presence strongly, and I know you’ll continue to guide me. Thank you for sharing your life with me. I love you.”
James passed away on February 11 at age 48 after a nearly three-year struggle with colorectal cancer.
The family made the announcement via Instagram, stating, “He faced his final days with courage, faith, and grace. He had so much wisdom to share about love and the value of time.”
In the wake of his passing, numerous celebrities, including former co-stars from “Dawson’s Creek,” paid tribute to James, celebrating his life and career.
Sarah Michelle Gellar expressed her sorrow, saying, “James’ legacy will live on forever, making this loss a significant one, not just for his family but for the world. Fk Cancer.”
Chad Michael Murray added, “Sending love and light to your beautiful family. James was a giant, and we are deeply sorry for your pain. His artistry and humanity inspired us all.”
Katie Holmes shared a heartfelt handwritten letter on Instagram, reflecting, “As we come to terms with his absence, we are profoundly grateful for the impact he made.”
