Stars Donate After James Van Der Beek’s Death and Fundraiser Surges

James Van Der Beek died at age 48, and a GoFundMe for his widow Kimberly and their six children raised roughly $1.5 million to $2.3 million, organizers and reports said.

Van Der Beek revealed in November 2024 that he had been privately diagnosed with colorectal cancer in August 2023 and auctioned memorabilia, including a necklace that fetched more than $34,000, to help pay treatment costs.

Friends of the Van Der Beek family thanked contributors in a statement, and reported donors include Steven Spielberg and Kate Capshaw ($25,000), Jon M. Chu ($10,000) and Zoe Saldaña ($2,500 monthly).

The case highlighted U.S. medical cost pressures, with health spending estimated to reach $5.9 trillion in 2026, according to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, and about 100 million people estimated to struggle with medical debt.

GoFundMe confirmed funds are being held by its payment processor while organizers work to ensure payouts, and the fundraiser said proceeds will help pay living expenses and the children's education.