Actor Buys Texas Ranch Weeks Before Passing

James Van Der Beek acquired the 36-acre Texas ranch he had been leasing only one month before his passing on Wednesday. He died at age 48 after a two-year struggle with colorectal cancer.

The former Dawson's Creek star and his wife Kimberly relocated their family from Los Angeles to Spicewood, Texas, in 2020. They had initially rented the property to experience the new area before committing to a purchase.

Property records indicate the sprawling home, which includes multiple cabins, a pool, and river views, was bought for $4.76 million on January 9 in an off-market transaction. Van Der Beek, a father of six, previously stated their move was to give their children space and a closer connection to nature.

This move followed a difficult period for the family, including the loss of Van Der Beek's mother in July 2020 and Kimberly's five miscarriages. In the wake of his death, friends established a GoFundMe for Kimberly and their children, which has since surpassed $2.4 million.