James Van Der Beek/Instagram
NEED TO KNOW
James Van Der Beek secured a down payment for his family's ranch in Austin, Texas, prior to his death
He did it "with the help of friends through a trust so they could shift from rent to mortgage," his rep told PEOPLE
The actor died at age 48 on Feb. 11 following a journey with stage 3 colorectal cancer
Prior to his death,James Van Der Beeksecured a down payment for the Texas ranch that he and his family had previously been renting.
His representative tells PEOPLE that before the actordied at age 48on Feb. 11 following a journey with stage 3 colorectal cancer, theDawson's Creekalum secured a down payment on theAustin ranch where he had been residingwith his wife,Kimberly Van Der Beek, and theirsix children.
"James secured down payment for the Texas ranch for the family with the help of friends through a trust so they could shift from rent to mortgage," the rep tells PEOPLE.
In 2020, James and Kimberlypermanently left Beverly Hills, Calif., andrelocated to Austin with their kids: daughters Olivia, 15, Annabel, 12, Emilia, 9, and Gwendolyn, 7, and sons Joshua, 13, and Jeremiah, 4, the latter of whomwas not yet born.
James Van Der Beek/Instagram
Speaking to PEOPLE in November 2022, the late actor said thatliving in Texas has been a "centering" experiencefor him and his family. And "for the kids," he said, "it's been grounding, and a different kind of education that we never could have offered them in a classroom."
Since moving, he explained at the time, the family was able toslow down and connect more with both natureand each other. His kids "jump around," he said. "They sing, 'rain, rain come today,' and they run out in it, because we need it."
"It's just connected us, not just to nature, but to the natural life cycles all around us," added the father of six.
In the wake of James' death on Feb. 11, friends of the Van Der Beek family organized aGoFundMe pageto collect donations after James'medical care left the family "out of funds."
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The fundraiser, which states it will "help cover essential living expenses, pay bills, and support the children's education,"received over $2.2 million in the first 48 hours.
"In the wake of this loss, Kimberly and the children are facing an uncertain future," the GoFundMe description reads. "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 support of friends, family, and the wider community will make a world of difference as they navigate the road ahead."
Kimberly Van Der Beek/Instagram
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The day after the fundraiser went live, the organizersthanked donors "from the bottom of our hearts for showing up for Jamesand his beautiful family" in an update.
"Your kindness has meant more than we can put into words. In the middle of deep grief, your support has been a light. It reminds us that love is real, that community is strong, and that James's spirit continues to bring people together," read the statement posted on the fundraising page.
The statement continued, "Right now, the family is taking time to mourn and be with one another. We kindly ask members of the media and the public to give them space and privacy as they walk through this painful season. Your respect and understanding will give them the room they need to heal."
In the Feb. 12 update, organizers also asked fans to "continue to keep James's wife and loved ones in your thoughts and prayers" and thanked them for honoring the actor's life "with compassion, generosity, and love."
Read the original article onPeople
