Alfonso Ribeiro has shared a poignant glimpse into his final moments with close friend James Van Der Beek.
Van Der Beek, 48, passed away on Wednesday after a two-year battle with colorectal cancer, leaving behind his wife Kimberly and six children: Olivia, 15, Joshua, 13, Annabel, 12, Emilia, 9½, Gwendolyn, 7, and Jeremiah, 4.
Ribeiro is the godfather to Van Der Beek’s daughter Gwendolyn.
Taking to Instagram, the actor revealed that he was by the Dawson’s Creek star’s side shortly before his death.
Alongside a tender photo, Ribeiro wrote, ‘This was taken by @vanderkimberly just a few minutes before I said my last goodbye.’
He added that their final moments together were filled with laughter, sharing, ‘My last moment was making him laugh one last time.’
Alfonso Ribeiro shared his final moments with close friend James Van Der Beek on Instagram
The actor revealed that he was by the Dawson’s Creek star’s side shortly before his death
In the heartbreaking photo, the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air star is seen holding Van Der Beek’s head as he lies in bed, with a woven hat pulled low.
Just hours after Van Der Beek’s death was announced, Ribeiro shared another touching throwback photo of the two friends, this time standing side by side outside, with Van Der Beek looking healthy and vibrant.
He captioned the image: ‘I’m so broken right now with the passing of my friend @vanderjames today. He was my true friend, brother and life guide. I was with him through this horrible journey to beat cancer.
‘His family and friends went on this roller coaster ride – the highs when it looked like he had it beat to the breaking lows of it coming back.
‘I’ve learned so much from James. He and @vanderkimberly changed my life. I will forever be in debt for all they’ve given me and my family.
‘He will live forever in my heart. I will always be there for their children. I will always hold my role as Gwen’s Goddie daddy as one of the most important roles of my life.
‘I love you James and know I have a guardian angel watching over me. Being able to say goodbye this weekend will always live with me. RIP my brother. RIP.’
The loss resonated throughout Hollywood, with a host of Dawson’s Creek castmates posting emotional tributes, Katie Holmes among them.
Just hours after Van Der Beek’s death was announced, Ribeiro shared another touching throwback photo of the two friends, this time sitting side by side outside, with Van Der Beek looking healthy and vibrant
Ribeiro is the godfather to Van Der Beek’s seven-year-old daughter, Gwendolyn
In a hand-written statement posted on Instagram, Holmes, who played Joey Potter, remembered Van Der Beek for his ‘bravery, compassion, selflessness and strength,’ as well as his ‘appreciation for life.’
‘I mourn this loss with a heart holding the reality of his absence and deep gratitude for his imprint on it,’ she added.
The actress captioned the post: ‘I formed some words with a heavy heart. This is a lot to process. I am so grateful to have shared in a piece of James’ journey. He is beloved.’
Busy Philipps, who joined Dawson’s Creek in its later seasons as Audrey Liddell, also paid tribute on Instagram.
She wrote that her ‘heart is deeply hurting for all of us today,’ acknowledging everyone who knew and loved him, including his friends, family, and fans.
Philipps went on to say she was ‘profoundly heartbroken for his incredible wife Kimberly and their six magical children,’ describing Van Der Beek as ‘one in a billion’ who will be ‘forever missed.’
She added, ‘I’m so grateful for our friendship all these years,’ reflecting on their bond both on and off screen.
‘He will live forever in my heart. I will always be there for their children. I will always hold my role as Gwen’s Goddie daddy as one of the most important roles of my life,’ wrote Ribeiro; (James and Kimberly with five of their six children)
Other stars also reacted to Van Der Beek’s death.
Reese Witherspoon, an executive producer on the Legally Blonde prequel Elle, in which Van Der Beek will posthumously appear, wrote that she was ‘devastated’ by the news.
‘What an extraordinary, talented man who also showed great kindness and grace in every action,’ she added. ‘Praying all the angels watch over his family during this difficult time.’
Following the family’s announcement on Wednesday, more stars joined in sharing condolences.
The statement read: ‘Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning. He met his final days with courage, faith, and grace. 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.’
Van Der Beek’s death rocked Hollywood, with countless Dawson’s Creek co-stars sharing heartfelt tributes online, including Katie Holmes
In a hand-written statement posted on Instagram, Katie Holmes, who played Joey Potter, remembered Van Der Beek for his ‘bravery, compassion, selflessness and strength,’ as well as his ‘appreciation for life’
Jennifer Garner, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Lucy Hale, Christie Brinkley, and Rumer Willis all responded to the announcement with likes.
A GoFundMe page was also launched on Wednesday to help support Van Der Beek’s family, with a starting goal of $500,000.
Kimberly shared on her Instagram Stories: ‘My friends created this link to support me and our children during this time. With gratitude and a broken heart.’
The page added: ‘Your generosity will help cover essential living expenses, pay bills, and support the children’s education.’
