As Hollywood continues to mourn James Van Der Beek following his death on February 11 at the age of 48, his ex-wife, actress Heather McComb, has broken her silence.
James and Heather, also 48, began dating in the late '90s, being a couple when Dawson's Creek started airing in 1998. They tied the knot in 2003, remaining together until April 2009, when they separated. Their divorce was finalized in March 2010, five months before he married his widow Kimberly Brook.
© InstagramHeather shared a touching tribute to her late ex, posting a photograph from her 21st birthday, which was before the show that made James a star began airing on The WB.
"Thank you for everyone who has reached out," she began. "I appreciate and feel all your love. I am heartbroken over the loss of beloved James. I am especially heartbroken for his incredible wife Kimberly, his beautiful children and his amazing family, Jim, Jared, Juliana and all of his family and friends who I know he loved deeply."
© Getty ImagesSharing more insight into their relationship at the time, she penned: "This picture is from my 21st birthday. Dawson's Creek hadn't even aired yet. This is how I will always see James innocent, kind and pure of heart."
"What a journey we shared over the years. I sit here in immense gratitude for the special connection, friendship and love that James and I shared that has endured through decades. I will treasure the last loving words we exchanged."
Shining a light on his generous personality, Heather added: "James was a beautiful soul filled with so much light, love, talent, humor, depth, sensitivity, knowledge and a deep love of God that shined through him. He shined so bright yet was so humble and human."
"Always searching, always growing, always going deeper, always chasing things outside his comfort zone," she penned, also sharing some sweet words for his family life with his "soulmate" Kimberly. "I know that James loved being a father so much and oh how he loved Kimberly with his everything. True soulmates."
© Getty Images"How she showed up for him with such grace is so beautiful and something I will forever admire. James was a blessing to all that knew him and because of his boldness to share his journey with the world so bravely is now a blessing to all."
"God please hold Kimberly, his children, his family and everyone who is mourning his loss in your arms. You are the healer of all healers. Thank you Jesus for bringing this beautiful soul into the world and into all of our lives."
© Getty ImagesHeather emotionally concluded with: "I love you James. I know you had a lot of loved ones up there welcoming you home. God bless you. Till we meet again you sweet soul you. Prayers up. James' family meant everything to him please help cover them during this difficult season," even linking to his family's GoFundMe page in her Instagram Stories.
