WWE Hall of Famer Stacy Keibler is mourning the loss of a close friend.
Keibler took to Instagram this week to share a heartfelt message honoring “Dawson’s Creek”and “Varsity Blues” star James Van Der Beek, who passed away Wednesday after battling stage three colorectal cancer. He was 48 years old.
In an emotional post, Keibler revealed that she spent time with Van Der Beek in his final days — something she described as a profound and spiritual experience. Alongside her message, she shared a photo of the two watching a sunset together, a moment she said now carries even deeper meaning.
Reflecting on that evening, Keibler wrote that they spoke openly about life, the uncertainty of the world, and something greater beyond it all.
“We talked about how this world can feel upside down… and how maybe heaven needs your spirit now to help steady us down here,” she shared. As the sun dipped below the horizon, Keibler noted that a shooting star appeared in the sky — a moment she described as feeling anything but coincidental.
The former WWE star also praised Van Der Beek as a devoted husband to his wife, Kimberly, and a loving father to their six children. She called it a blessing to stand beside the family during such an intimate and difficult time, emphasizing how powerful it was to witness the strength and love surrounding him.
Keibler concluded her tribute with a simple but powerful message of gratitude and remembrance, writing that her friend had changed her life and that she would carry his memory with her always.
News of Van Der Beek’s passing was confirmed on his official Instagram account, where a statement asked for privacy as his family grieves. The actor publicly revealed his stage three colorectal cancer diagnosis in 2024 and had been undergoing treatment in the months leading up to his death.
While best known for his breakout role as Dawson Leery, Van Der Beek’s impact clearly extended far beyond Hollywood. As Keibler’s moving tribute shows, his legacy lives on in the lives he touched — both on screen and off.
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