James Van Der Beek's Brother Shares Heartfelt Reflections on Loss

After fighting against colorectal cancer for three years, actorJames Van Der Beek has passed awayat the age of 48. He was most recognized for his lead performance in thecast of Dawson’s Creek, becoming one of the most recognizable figures of 90s television. With numerous friends and family members honoring the actor, Van Der Beek's brother shares his feelings of "devastation and pain" following the star's passing.

In the days after James Van Der Beek's passing, celebrity condolences were being shared.Alfonso Ribeiro stated that the actor will "live forever in my heart,"and Reese Witherspoon (who served as an executive producer)Van Der Beek's last project,Elle)also conveyed warm words about "what an extraordinary, talented man" he was. Among the most emotional messages was from his brother, Jared, who posted onInstagramregarding the "devastation and sorrow" he has experienced in the days following his brother's passing:

There is a unique connection that forms between brothers, and two days ago, that physical link was severed. I now understand why people refer to it as heartbreak when losing someone very close. There's an overwhelming sense of sorrow and anguish that penetrates the heart so profoundly, I never imagined it would cause such intense pain. He was my trusted companion, the one I turned to for everything. I have admired him since the day I was born. He has always been present for me whenever I needed him.

I can barely picture how painful it must be to lose a brother. Going from having someone constantly by your side to them no longer being there can create a deep emptiness that's difficult to recover from. Looking at the family pictures Jared Van Der Beek shared showing him and his brother laughing together is enough to bring tears to your eyes and make you want to hold your brother and/or sister a little tighter.

When a loved one passes away, it can seem as though the rest of your life will never be the same again. Jared Van Der Beek kept speaking about how thePoseAn actor may not be physically present, but he will always sense his "presence" in other forms:

James, I already long for your physical presence and the wise words you share over the phone. Still, I feel your presence very deeply, and I know you will keep guiding me. Thank you for sharing your life with me. I love you.

Even in death, no sibling connection can ever be severed. I'd like to believe that somewhere out there, theVarsity BluesThe actor has listened to his brother's words and will keep watching over him. Although death may part us from the people we love, it can never erase the affection we hold for them. Check out Jared Van Der Beek's emotional post below:

Jared Van Der Beek continued to say that his recovery is fueled by "the flood of love, prayers, and encouragement" from his fans and those who cared for him. After stating that his late brother "impacted so many people," it's even more touching that the number ofcelebrities that contributed to the skilled actor's GoFundMe pagePaying for his medical expenses is extremely costly. With a target of $1.5 million, donations have already surpassed $2 million. This shows the significant impact the actor had on the world.

I extend my deepest sympathy to the family and friends of James Van Der Beek, who are experiencing a difficult period following his passing. His work and the impact he made on others will ensure that his memory endures through those he influenced.

You can stream the WB series that made the late actor famous by revisiting it.Dawson's Creek with a Netflix subscription or Hulu subscription.

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