James Van Der Beek’s untimely death from colorectal cancer on February 11 has shone a light on his family, including his wife, Kimberly, and his six kids, Olivia, 15, Joshua, 13, Annabel, 12, Emilia, nine, Gwendolyn, seven, and Jeremiah, four.
According to a TMZ report, the Van Der Beek family were struggling with a colossal tax debt in the years leading up to his cancer diagnosis, with a tax lien placed on their assets until they could pay off the debt.
James and Kimberly reportedly owed $95,438.31 in 2018 to the IRS and a further $173, 890.31 in 2019, leading to a total debt of almost $270,000. They were issued the lien in November 2021 and were able to pay off the debt by April 2022.
This update comes just days after news broke that James had purchased the $4.76 million Texas ranch they had been renting for years, with the help of his close friends. He put a downpayment on the 36-acre ranch on January 9, a month before his passing.
“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,” his representative told People.
The family relocated from LA to Texas in 2020, with the Dawson’s Creek star sharing that he wanted to give his kids a different childhood than the one California would offer them.
© Instagram“For the kids, it’s been grounding, and a different kind of education that we never could have offered them in a classroom,” he told the publication. “I feel like we have a relationship with these natural cycles that are happening.”
Learn more about James’ fundraising efforts below…
“[The kids] jump around. They sing, ‘rain, rain come today,’ and they run out in it, because we need it,” James added. “It’s just connected us, not just to nature, but to the natural life cycles all around us.”
Following his death, a GoFundMe was set up to aid his family in paying medical bills and the mortgage, with the fundraiser now sitting at more than $2.6 million. “In the wake of this loss, Kimberly and the children are facing an uncertain future,” read the description on the page.
“The costs of James’ 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.”
© InstagramThe actor battled cancer for more than two years, and shared his diagnosis with the world at the end of 2024. “The support of friends, family, and the wider community will make a world of difference as they navigate the road ahead,” the description continued.
“Your generosity will help cover essential living expenses, pay bills, and support the children’s education. Every donation, no matter the size, will help Kimberly and her family find hope and security as they rebuild their lives. Thank you for considering a gift to support them.”
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