James Van Der Beek has passed away at the age of 48.

The actor, who was popularly known for  Dawson's Creek and Varsity Blues, died after battling with stage 3 colorectal cancer.

The news was announced on Wednesday, February 11, when his wife, Kimberly Van Der Beek, shared the news on Instagram.

"Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning," Kimberly wrote on her social media with an earthy picture of James. 

His wife continued, "He met his final days with courage, faith, and grace. There is much to share regarding his wishes, love for humanity, and the sacredness of time. Those days will come."

Kimberly asked for "peaceful privacy as we grieve our loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend."

Van Der Beek shared six children with wife, Kimberly, including daughters Olivia, Annabel, Emilia, and Gwendolyn, and sons Joshua and Jeremiah.

In November 2024, he revealed his cancer diagnosis to PEOPLE, sharing he is prioritising his health and family at this time.

“I have colorectal cancer,” he said. “I’ve been handling this privately and taking the necessary steps to treat it, with the support of my amazing family.”

He noted that there's a reason for "optimism," and he felt good.

Van Der Beek's cancer was diagnosed in  August 2023, when he visited for a routine colonoscopy. Although he wasn't worried when he was going into the appointment, looking back on it, he experienced some symptoms.

"It was just a change in bowel habits," he told the outlet in November 2024. He said he thought he needed to change his diet or avoid caffeine.

"And then I finally took that out of the diet, and it didn't improve, and I thought, all right, I better go get this checked out," he added.