“Dawson’s Creek” star James Van Der Beek has died at the age of 48.

“Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning,” his family announced on Instagram Feb. 11.

The award-winning actor announced he had Stage 3 colorectal cancer in November 2024.

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

Van Der Beek is survived by his wife, Kimberly, and six children.

A GoFundMe page was set up to help his family pay for medical bills.

“The costs of James’s medical care and the extended fight against cancer have left the family out of funds,” the GoFundMe page says.

“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 fundraiser raised over $120,000 in one hour after the family announced Van Der Beek’s death.

Van Der Beek rose to stardom as a teenage heartthrob in the 1990s after starring on the hit coming-of-age drama “Dawson’s Creek” alongside actors Katie Holmes, Michelle Williams, and Joshua Jackson.

After the popular WB drama ended after six seasons, Van Der Beek continued acting in roles on “How I Met Your Mother,” “Friends With Better Lives,” and even starred as a fictionalized version of himself in the ABC sitcom “Don’t Trust the B— in Apartment 23.”

His “Apartment 23” co-star, Krysten Ritter, shared a photo of the actors together on Instagram with the caption, “Really hard news today,” with heartbreak and crying emojis.

Other celebrity tributes quickly poured in on Wednesday afternoon.

Actress Sarah Michelle Gellar posted a tribute on her Instagram story and called him “one of the good guys.”

“This is a true loss,” Gellar wrote.

Actor Chad Michael Murray commented on the Instagram post to pay his respects.

“Sending love and light to your beautiful family,” Murray wrote.

“James was a giant. We’re so so so sorry for what you’re going through. His words, art, and humanity inspired all of us—he inspired us to be better in all ways. God bless you guys.”