Just a day after the devastating news of James Van Der Beek’s death at age 48, his close friend Alfonso Ribeiro shared a profoundly intimate glimpse into their final moments together.
On Thursday, the 54-year-old Dancing with the Stars host took to Instagram to post a deeply personal photo taken during his last visit with the Dawson’s Creek alum. The image depicts Ribeiro lying in bed beside Van Der Beek, their heads close, faces touching in a quiet, private goodbye.
Kimberly Van Der Beek, James’ wife, captured the poignant moment just minutes before their farewell, according to Ribeiro’s post. He wrote:
“This was taken by @vanderkimberly just a few minutes before I said my last goodbye. My last moment was making him laugh one last time. I really miss him already.”
That single sentence carries immense emotional weight, amplified by the raw vulnerability of the accompanying photograph.
Oof.
Kimberly Van Der Beek, who shares six children with James—daughters Olivia, 15, Annabel, 12, Emilia, 9½, Gwendolyn, 7, and sons Joshua, 13, and Jeremiah, 4—announced her husband’s passing on Wednesday. James had been battling stage 3 colorectal cancer since 2023, following a precautionary colonoscopy prompted by changes in his health. He publicly revealed his diagnosis in November 2024, openly sharing a journey that would ultimately prove heartbreaking for his family and friends.
Later that same day, Ribeiro elaborated on the depth of his friendship with James, revealing he is Gwendolyn’s godfather.
Ribeiro also described witnessing both the hopeful peaks and devastating lows of James’ cancer fight, observing firsthand the optimism when the disease appeared to be in remission and the heartbreak when it returned.
Ribeiro wrote at the time:
“I’m so broken right now with the passing of my friend @vanderjames today. He was my true friend brother and life guide. I was with him through this horrible journey to beat cancer. His family and friends went on this roller coaster ride. The highs when it looked like he had it beat to the breaking lows of it coming back. I’ve learned so much from james. He and @vanderkimberly changed my life. I will forever be in debt for all they’ve given me and my family. He will live forever in my heart.”
Perhaps most movingly, Ribeiro pledged his continued support to James’ children:
“I will always be there for their children. I will always hold my role as Gwen’s Goddie daddy as one of the most important roles of my life. I love you James and know I have a guardian angel watching over me. Being able to say goodbye this weekend will always live with me. RIP my brother. RIP.”
Wow.
The loss is, undeniably, crushing.
[Image via Alfonso Ribeiro/Instagram]
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