Dawson’s Creek star James Van Der Beek bought $6.7m Texas ranch before death as GoFundMe for family raises millions

The 48-year-old leaves behind his wife and six young children.

Dawson’s Creek star James Van Der Beek bought his family a $A6.72 million ranch that they had previously been renting prior to his death, it’s been revealed.

The 48-year-old died on February 11 after being diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer in 2024, leaving behind his wife Kimberly and their six children.

Van Der Beek’s representative told People he had managed to secure a down payment on the ranch in Austin, Texas before he passed.

“James secured the 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 left California and relocated to Austin with the late actor saying at the time the move had been a “centering” and “grounding” experience.

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

The ranch reportedly sits on 36 acres of land and has five bedrooms and three bathrooms.

In the aftermath of the former actor’s death, friends of the Van Der Beek family set up a fundraiser to help support his now widow and their large family.

So far a staggering $2.5 million has been raised.

“After a long and courageous battle with cancer, James passed away … leaving behind his devoted wife, Kimberly, and their six wonderful children,” the GoFundMe for the family said.

“In the wake of this loss, Kimberly and the children are facing an uncertain future.

“Throughout his illness, the family faced not only emotional challenges but also significant financial strain as they did everything possible to support James and provide for his care.

“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.”

Van Der Beek was catapulted to fame after being cast as Dawson Leary on the hit television show Dawson’s Creek in 1998.