James Van Der Beek's $6.7 million purchase before death clarified by rep after fundraiser questioned by critics
Moderator - Tomas Kauer 
James Van Der Beek's representative has been forced to clarify a purchase the late actor made weeks before his death after the move sparked questions from critics.
Earlier this week, it was revealed the Dawson's Creek actor – who died on February 11 aged 48 following a battle with colorectal cancer – had purchased the Texas ranch he had been renting with his wife, Kimberly, and their six children.
The family bought the ranch for US$4.76 million ($6.72 million) on January 9 this year, according to Realtor.com
However, the purchase has sparked backlash from fans, who pointed to a GoFundMe set up in the actor's name.
The page has already raised over $2.6 million after claiming the family were "out of funds" due to James's massive medical bills.
Some queried why financial help was needed, given Van Der Beek's successful acting career and multimillion-dollar home purchase.
His representative has since addressed those concerns directly.
"James secured 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 rep said.Page Six.
READ MORE: The history behind Margot's $12m Wuthering Heights necklace
READ MORE: Revolting pantry find exposes common bad practices in most kitchens
READ MORE: 'My husband had a baby with my sister'
Seeking a simpler life away from the Hollywood spotlight, the Van Der Beeks traded Los Angeles for the wide-open spaces of Texas in 2020.
The 14.5-hectare ranch was a dream come true for the couple, who wanted their six children – Olivia, Joshua, Annabel, Emilia, Gwendolyn, and Jeremiah – to grow up surrounded by nature.
The property has a main five-bedroom house with three bathrooms.
"The space available in Texas … where we're at, it's expansive and there's a lot of space and I feel that for a big family … it was just really, really necessary for us," Kimberly once revealed in a video posted on Instagram.
The couple rented the ranch as a test before putting down permanent roots and buying it.
The fundraiser was launched at the same time Van Der Beek's death was announced. It was shared on the Instagram Story of accounts belonging to both James and Kimberly.
"James Van Der Beek was a beloved husband, father, and friend who touched the lives of everyone around him," the fundraiser reads.
"After a long and courageous battle with cancer, James passed away on February 11, 2026 leaving behind his devoted wife, Kimberly, and their six wonderful children. 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.
"In the wake of this loss, Kimberly and the children are facing an 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 statement concluded: "The support of friends, family, and the wider community will make a world of difference as they navigate the road ahead. 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."
Much of the fundraiser has come from the general public, while the late actor's celebrity pals have also kicked in.
Among them, actress Zoe Saldana, who was recently named the highest-grossing film actor of all time, with her movies generating more than $21 billion at the global box office.
She has reportedly chipped in a monthly stipend of AU$3525.
For a daily dose of 9honey, subscribe to our newsletter here.
Other big donations have come from film director Steven Spielberg and his wife Kate Capshaw, (AU$35,000), US filmmaker Jonathan Chu (AU$14,000); Danielle Marquez Levinson, who is the wife of Hollywood producer Steve Levinson, (AU$14,000); fashion designer Tracy Robbins; and talent agent Kevin Huvane, who both donated AU$7000.
Van Der Beek announced in November 2024 he had been diagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancer in August 2023, which he had been battling privately.
He became an advocate for earlier detection of colorectal cancer and in his final months, worked to raise funds for charity F Cancer and himself, after his own treatment drained his bank account.
He announced in 2024 he would sell items to support his family and others battling cancer.
"100 per cent of my net proceeds will go to families recovering from the financial burden of cancer (including my own ?)," he wrote.
FOLLOW US ON WHATSAPP HERE: Stay across all the latest in celebrity, lifestyle and opinion via our WhatsApp channel. No comments, no algorithm and nobody can see your private details.
