Fans Question Funds Raised for Van Der Beek Family After Home Purchase

James Van Der Beek, the beloved star of 'Dawson's Creek,' died at the age of 48 following a courageous battle with colorectal cancer. His passing has been met with widespread sadness, compounded by reports of his efforts to sell memorabilia to secure his family's future. Following his death, a GoFundMe campaign was initiated for his wife, Kimberly, and their six children, stating the family was "out of funds." This initiative quickly garnered over $2.6 million, with contributions from prominent figures like Steven Spielberg and Zoe Saldaña.

However, public sentiment has seen a shift in recent days, with some fans expressing concern and criticism on online forums like Reddit. These grumblings intensified following revelations that Van Der Beek had purchased the Texas compound where the family resided for $4.76 million just one month prior to his death, on January 9th. This discovery has led to debate about the family's financial preparedness and the substantial amount raised through donations.

Despite the online controversy, many continue to support the Van Der Beek family, with over 49.8 thousand donations made to the GoFundMe. Industry peers, including Broadway star Donna Vivino, have defended the family's situation. Van Der Beek, who, along with his family, relocated from Hollywood to Texas in 2020, was also reportedly an owner of a separate California home. His representative confirmed the recent purchase of the Texas property, emphasizing the family's need for privacy during their period of mourning.