"Made Me Laugh One Last Time"... Alfonso Ribeiro Weeps Holding Late James Van Der Beek

As the star of 'Dawson's Creek', James Van Der Beek has passed away, and his close friend and colleague Alfonso Ribeiro shared a final moment that brought tears to fans around the world.

According to local media on the 13th (Korean time), Ribeiro posted a photo on his Instagram on the 12th, embracing Van Der Beek's head while he lay in bed. He expressed his sorrow, saying, "Being able to say goodbye to my friend and brother last weekend will stay with me forever," and added, "I was able to make him laugh one last time."

◆ "I Will Be Gwendolyn's Godfather"

The two developed a deep friendship through 'Dancing with the Stars' in 2019. Ribeiro revealed that he is the godfather of Van Der Beek's fourth daughter, 7-year-old Gwendolyn, promising, "I will consider my role as Gwendolyn's 'Daddy Godfather' as one of the most important roles in my life." He vowed to always be there for the children left behind.

◆ Burdened with Medical Bills... $1.3 Million Fundraising Wave

Van Der Beek incurred enormous medical expenses during nearly three years of battling colorectal cancer, leading to serious financial difficulties for his family. A GoFundMe page set up by his wife Kimberly raised over $1.3 million (approximately 1.7 billion won) in just one day. Notably, 'Guardant Health', the biotechnology company where Van Der Beek served as an ambassador, donated $25,000, and support has poured in from all walks of life.

◆ "Passed Peacefully"

In his final moments, Ribeiro was joined by close friends, including former professional wrestler Stacy Keibler. Keibler shared, "We held hands and watched the sky change colors," conveying that the late Van Der Beek's passing was peaceful. James Van Der Beek, who died at the young age of 48 from colorectal cancer, leaves behind his wife Kimberly and six children: Olivia (15), Joshua (13), Annabelle (12), Emilia (9), Gwendolyn (7), and Jeremiah (4).