Photo: Ray Tamarra/GC Images James Van Der Beek died this week after being diagnosed with colorectal cancer in 2024 . His wife issued a statement on social media , saying, “He met his final days with courage, faith, and grace. There is much to share regarding his wishes, love for humanity, and the sacredness of time.” Her post was met with condolences from Van Der Beek’s fellow ’90s and aughts teen idols, like Sarah Michelle Gellar and Nikki Reed, as well as from his Dancing With the Stars