James Van Der Beek Was Still ‘Emanating Love’ in Final Days, Says Friend (Exclusive)

James and Kimberly Van Der Beek’s close friend, designer Erin Fetherston, was able to spend time with the actor in his final days.

“Extra” spoke with Erin, who got emotional about their last moments together.

She said, “I’m so grateful that I had the chance to do that and say goodbye and see him. Even at the end… he’s still beautiful even after everything he’s been through. He’s still emanating his love.”

“I’m grateful I got to say goodbye in person and be there with the family and hug the beautiful children,” Erin said. “There was a beautiful community around James and I think he really felt supported by all the love by all the people who could be there.”

Erin called James “authentic” till the very end, adding, “Including people, making everyone a family, helping us all connect to one another, and he leaves behind this incredible legacy.”

Erin also reacted to the GoFundMe that was created to help James’ family after his passing, which has raised over $1.5 million in donations.

She said, “I’m just so happy and grateful that so many people feel moved in their hearts the way that those of us who are close feel. There is a sincere, urgent need. The family has really been through it, and I just want to thank everyone on their behalf.”

The amount of funds raised so far shows James’ impact, according to Erin.

James leaves behind his wife Kimberly and their six kids.

Erin stressed, “These are six children who are facing life without a father. Their amazing mother Kimberly has been a devoted wife and mom. She’s had six children and been public about losing babies along the way. She has been in the space of motherhood and supporting James all of these years. Now she’s really left to pick up the pieces.”

Fetherston added, “By supporting them, you’re helping them just maintain some stability in their life after going through a terribly challenging, painful, and heartbreaking journey that has ended in the loss of their father. You will be helping them to stay in the home that they’re at.”

Erin pointed out that James wasn’t able to work for the past two years during his cancer battle.

James was diagnosed with stage 3 cancer in 2023 at age 46 after requesting a colonoscopy.

Erin is choosing to remember James as “humble” and someone who was “living life from the heart.”

She added, “He left everyone else come on for the ride… He was so sincere… loving… accomplished… He was just so kind.”