WWE Hall of Famer Stacy Keibler is remembering James Van Der Beek as "a true gift from God," sharing a deeply personal glimpse into the actor's final days following his passing on February 11 at age 48.
In an emotional Instagram tribute posted Wednesday, Keibler revealed she had recently spent time with the Dawson's Creek star as he battled stage 3 colorectal cancer. Alongside her message, she shared a poignant photo of Van Der Beek seated in a wheelchair as they watched the sunset together - a quiet moment that has since resonated widely online.
"Spending these final days with you has been a true gift from God," she wrote. "When you know time is sacred, you don't waste a single breath. You don't rush. You don't scroll. You sit. You listen."
Keibler reflected on how those final conversations reshaped her understanding of faith and presence. She said Van Der Beek modeled what it looks like to trust God's plan "even when it breaks your heart."
Van Der Beek publicly shared his cancer diagnosis in 2023 and in recent years spoke openly about how suffering deepened his spiritual perspective, often emphasizing gratitude, family, and surrender to God amid uncertainty.
His wife, Kimberly, confirmed he passed peacefully, surrounded by loved ones.
As tributes continue to pour in, many are remembering not only the actor who defined a generation of television, but a man whose final days quietly testified to faith, presence, and the sacredness of time.WWE Hall of Famer Stacy Keibler is remembering James Van Der Beek as "a true gift from God," sharing a deeply personal glimpse into the actor's final days following his passing on February 11 at age 48.
In an emotional Instagram tribute posted Wednesday, Keibler revealed she had recently spent time with the Dawson's Creek star as he battled stage 3 colorectal cancer. Alongside her message, she shared a poignant photo of Van Der Beek seated in a wheelchair as they watched the sunset together - a quiet moment that has since resonated widely online.
"Spending these final days with you has been a true gift from God," she wrote. "When you know time is sacred, you don't waste a single breath. You don't rush. You don't scroll. You sit. You listen."
Keibler reflected on how those final conversations reshaped her understanding of faith and presence. She said Van Der Beek modeled what it looks like to trust God's plan "even when it breaks your heart."
Van Der Beek publicly shared his cancer diagnosis in 2023 and in recent years spoke openly about how suffering deepened his spiritual perspective, often emphasizing gratitude, family, and surrender to God amid uncertainty.
His wife, Kimberly, confirmed he passed peacefully, surrounded by loved ones.
As tributes continue to pour in, many are remembering not only the actor who defined a generation of television, but a man whose final days quietly testified to faith, presence, and the sacredness of time.
Related: James Van Der Beek, "Dawson's Creek" Star, Dies at 48 After Cancer Battle
