Dawson’s Creek star James Van Der Beek died on Wednesday aged 48 after bowel cancer battle as friends including Alfonso Ribeiro share emotional tributes

Two men stand side by side, smiling, with a backdrop featuring a tree and a distant landscape.
WARNING TAKEN FROM INSTAGRAMJames Van Der Beek seen in heartbreaking final photo with Alfonso Ribeiro taken moments before ‘last goodbye’LINK TO PAGE: (Image: Kimberly Van Der Beek/Instagram)

A poignant photograph captures Alfonso Ribeiro’s emotional farewell to close friend James Van Der Beek, who “made him laugh for the last time”

Van Der Beek, 48, passed away on Wednesday after battling bowel cancer. The actor, best known for portraying Dawson Leery in the American teen drama Dawson’s Creek from 1998 to 2003, is survived by his wife Kimberley Brook and their six children, one of whom counts Ribeiro as godfather, The Mirror reports.

Ribeiro, famed for his role as Carlton Banks in The Fresh Prince of Bel Air, has offered a moving insight into his final moments with his dear friend. The 54 year old performer was at Van Der Beek’s bedside shortly before he died.

Posting on Instagram, Ribeiro revealed: “This was taken by @vanderkimberly just a few minutes before I said my last goodbye. My last moment was making him laugh one last time.”

The deeply moving photograph shows Ribeiro, who also starred in sitcom Silver Spoons, cradling Van Der Beek’s head as he rests in bed, wearing a woven hat pulled down low.

Within hours of the announcement of Van Der Beek’s death, father-of-four Ribeiro posted another tender throwback photograph showing the pair standing together outdoors, with Van Der Beek appearing fit and full of life.

The star wrote alongside the image: “I’m so broken right now with the passing of my friend @vanderjames today. He was my true friend, brother and life guide. I was with him through this horrible journey to beat cancer.

“His family and friends went on this rollercoaster ride – the highs when it looked like he had it beat to the breaking lows of it coming back.

An individual offering comfort and support to another person lying in bed, demonstrating a profound emotional connection and car

WARNING TAKEN FROM INSTAGRAMJames Van Der Beek seen in heartbreaking final photo with Alfonso Ribeiro taken moments before ‘last goodbye’LINK TO PAGE: (Image: Kimberly Van Der Beek/Instagram)

“I’ve learned so much from James. He and @vanderkimberly changed my life. I will forever be in debt for all they’ve given me and my family.

“He will live forever in my heart. I will always be there for their children. I will always hold my role as Gwen’s Goddie daddy as one of the most important roles of my life.

“I love you James and know I have a guardian angel watching over me. Being able to say goodbye this weekend will always live with me. RIP my brother. RIP.”

Actress Nicole Bilderback, who starred alongside Van Der Beek in the American series as Heather Tracy, also honoured the performer. In an Instagram tribute, she wrote: “Over the five episodes of Dawson’s I did, I am blessed and lucky to have had you in every single scene with me. You will be missed so dearly. Your kindness and light shines on in this world forever. This hurts. Rest in peace.”