Why James Van Der Beek’s $4.8M Ranch Drama Has His GoFundMe Under Fire
James Van Der Beek’s financial situation after his passing on February 11 set off a firestorm of controversy on the internet.
The former Dawson’s Creek star died of colorectal cancer at the age of 48, leaving behind his wife Kimberly and six kids: Olivia, 15, Joshua, 13, Annabel Leah, 12, Emilia, 9, Gwendolyn, 7, and Jeremiah, 4. Immediately after his death, a GoFundMe account was set up to assist the large family with their “uncertain future.”
“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 GoFundMe description reads.
The funds were to help Kimberly and the children “cover essential living expenses, pay bills, and support the children’s education.” Within a matter of days, the account raised over $2.6 million, with celebrity friends, including Steven Spielberg, Zoe Saldaña, and Busy Phillips, contributing to the fundraising campaign.
Some feathers appeared to be ruffled when James’ representative revealed to People on February 14 that the actor was able to “secure a down payment for the Texas ranch that he and his family had previously been renting.”
His rep explained to the outlet, “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 36-acre ranch was purchased on January 9 for $4.76 million — and that’s when the backlash began.
“Must not have had real financial issues if taking on responsibilities of multi-million dollar property,” wrote one critic on X. Another added, “And the GoFundMe is going to pay for the rest. Mind-boggling to me that regular people are donating for someone to maintain their luxury lifestyle.” A third person chimed in, “Great, so his family doesn’t need donations from poor people making 30k per year?”
James was open about his struggle to pay medical bills, even going as far as to sell off his personal memorabilia from Dawson’s Creek and Varsity Blues in November 2025. He raised over $47,000 through a Propstore auction. The GoFundMe campaign is still being funded as of February 16.
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