James Van Der Beek’s former wife says ‘I do’ three months after actor’s tragic death

Heather McComb has shared joyful wedding news just three months after mourning the devastating loss of her former husband, James Van Der Beek.

The actress, 49, married actor Scott Michael Campbell in an intimate ceremony in Missoula, Montana, over the weekend, surrounded by family and close friends.

Taking to Instagram, Heather announced the happy news with a heartfelt message alongside a slideshow of photographs from their special day.

“Yesterday @scottmichaelcampbell and I under the covenant of God got officially married by my beautiful sister Essence Atkins surrounded by the people we love most in the world in our most favorite city Missoula Montana,” she wrote.

“Our hearts are full and humbled by all of the love that we were surrounded by. God is so good.

“Thank you to all of our family and friends who traveled from all over the country to be with us. Thank you Jesus the way maker miracle worker!”

The newlywed later expressed gratitude to everyone who helped make the celebration so memorable.

“You all made it so special and a truly magical weekend that we will never forget,” she added. “We are sitting here counting our many blessings. Thank you to everyone who made this so special for us!”

The joyful occasion comes just three months after the heartbreaking death of Dawson’s Creek star James Van Der Beek, who died on February 11 following a battle with stage three colorectal cancer at 48.

Heather and James were married from 2003 until their divorce in 2010 and remained on good terms in the years that followed.

Following news of his death, Heather paid an emotional tribute to her former husband on social media, describing herself as “heartbroken over the loss of beloved James.”

She added that she was “especially heartbroken” for his wife Kimberly and their six children.

Reflecting on their shared history, Heather spoke warmly of the connection they maintained long after their marriage ended.

“I am grateful for the special connection, friendship and love we shared,” she wrote.

She went on to describe James as “a beautiful soul filled with so much light, love, talent, humor, depth, sensitivity, knowledge and a deep love of God that shined through him.”

“He shined so bright yet was so humble and human. Always searching, always growing, always going deeper, always chasing things outside his comfort zone.”

Heather also praised the actor’s devotion to his family, saying she knew he “loved being a father so much” and that he adored his wife Kimberly “with his everything.”

Calling the couple “true soulmates,” she said she deeply admired the grace and strength Kimberly displayed throughout James’ illness.

James rose to fame in the late 1990s playing Dawson Leery in the hit teen drama Dawson’s Creek and went on to enjoy a successful career spanning film and television, including roles in Varsity Blues, One Tree Hill and CSI: Cyber.

In the months before his death, the actor spoke candidly about the emotional impact of his cancer diagnosis and the overwhelming support he received from fans.

Appearing on the Today show in December, he admitted he had been deeply moved by the public’s response.

“I never expected that,” he said. “I never just stopped to appreciate what I’d done.”

He added: “Every time somebody says, ‘I’m praying for you, and I’m wishing you the best,’ I appreciate it.”

James is survived by his wife Kimberly and their six children: Olivia, Joshua, Annabel, Emilia, Gwendolyn and Jeremiah.

Sharing news of his passing earlier this year, Kimberly wrote: “Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning.”

“He met his final days with courage, faith, and grace.”

She continued: “There is much to share regarding his wishes, love for humanity and the sacredness of time. Those days will come.”

“For now we ask for peaceful privacy as we grieve our loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend.”

Heather and James’ own love story began in the early 2000s and culminated in a Malibu wedding in July 2003 attended by several of his Dawson’s Creek co-stars, including Michelle Williams and Busy Philipps, as well as actress Soleil Moon Frye.

When the couple divorced in 2010, James’ representative described the split as “totally amicable,” adding that they remained close friends despite ending their marriage.