Dawson’s Creek star James Van Der Beek’s cancer battle has left his family “out of funds” and looking for help as they struggle with the heartache of losing him.

Van Der Beek’s wife Kimberly announced the 48-year-old’s death on Thursday (AEDT), saying he met his final days “with courage, faith and grace”.

He leaves behind his wife and six children — daughters Olivia, 15, Annabel, 12, Emilia, 9, Gwendolyn, 7, and sons Joshua, 13, and Jeremiah, 4.

Van Der Beek’s friends launched a GoFundMe campaign hoping to raise $US1.3 million ($1.8 million) to help his grieving family with their living expenses and the children’s education.

Donations had reached more than $US1million ($1.4 million) by Thursday afternoon (AEDT).

“Throughout his illness, the family faced not only emotional challenges but also significant financial strain as they did everything possible to support James and provide for his care,” the friends wrote.

“In the wake of this loss, Kimberly and the children are facing an uncertain future.

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

“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 money would cover essential living expenses, pay bills, and support the children’s education.

“Every donation, no matter the size, will help Kimberly and her family find hope and security as they rebuild their lives,” the appeal said.

Van Der Beek revealed in 2024 he was being treated for stage-three colorectal cancer.

In his final days, friends spent time with the actor and shared their special moments on social media.

Former wrestling star Stacy Keibler posted a photo of herself with Van Der Beek sitting in a wheelchair and watching a sunset.

“Spending these final days with you has been a true gift from God. I have never been so present in my life,” she wrote.

“When you know time is sacred, you don’t waste a single breath. You don’t rush. You don’t scroll. You don’t worry about tomorrow. You sit. You listen. You hold hands. You watch the sky change colours and you let it change you too.”

Former wrestler and model Stacy Keibler was a friend of James Van Der Beek. Photo: Instagram

Another friend, designer Erin Fetherston, shared a photo of herself holding Van Der Beek’s hand at his bedside, both of them smiling.

“What an honour it was to have a seat at your table and to call you a best friend,” Fetherston wrote.

“The space you leave behind can never be filled, but we will do our best to shower your beautiful family with love and remember to keep dancing in your honour — because you always knew the importance of joy.”

Actor and Dancing with the Stars co-host Alfonso Ribeiro said he was lucky to be with his “true friend and brother” to say goodbye.

“I was with him through this horrible journey to beat cancer. His family and friends went on this roller-coaster ride,” he said.

“The highs when it looked like he had it beat to the breaking lows of it coming back. I’ve learned so much from James.”

Erin Fetherston spent time at James Van Der Beek’s bedside. Photo: Instagram

Van Der Beek is best remembered for teen television series Dawson’s Creek, which ran from 1998 to 2003.

The series followed a high school group of friends as they learned about falling in love, creating real friendships and finding their footing in life.

The actor made a surprise video appearance in September at a Dawson’s Creek reunion charity event in New York City after previously dropping out due to illness.

A one-time theatre kid, he went on to star in the movie Varsity Blues and on TV in CSI: Cyber as FBI Special Agent Elijah Mundo.

-with AAP