Tributes have been pouring in since James Van Der Beek's untimely death at the age of 48, and on Valentine's Day, his brother, Jared, penned his.
The younger sibling of the Dawson's Creek star left an emotional message on Instagram sharing his "devastation" over his loss.
Alongside several family photos of the brothers, their sister, Juliana, and their parents James William Van Der Beek Sr. and the late Melinda Weber, he wrote: "There’s a special bond that exists between brothers and two days ago, that physical bond was broken.
"I now know why people call it heartbreak when you lose someone close to you. There is a feeling of devastation and pain that runs so deep in the heart, I didn’t know it would hurt so badly. He was my person, the one I went to for any and all things. I’ve looked up to him since I was born. He has never failed to be there for me whenever I needed him."
© InstagramJared, 47, continued: "It has been wonderful reading and seeing how he touched so many lives not because of something he did, but because of who he was. He shared with an open heart and with his wise soul. As painful as this pain deep in the heart is, the healing has already begun with all the outpouring of love, prayers, and support. I truly thank all of you [sic] have taken the time to reach out, letting me know that you’re there."
He thanked everyone further by writing: "The community of people who were intimately involved in his passing were nothing short of amazing. Thank you to everyone known and unknown who helped his transition be as beautiful as possible.
"James, I already miss your physical being and your words of wisdom over the phone. Yet, I also feel your presence so strongly and I know you will continue to be guiding me. Thank you for living your life with me. I love you."
© Penske Media via Getty ImagesJames died following a three year battle with the disease. He leaves behind his wife, Kimberly, and their six children, Olivia, Joshua, Annabel, Emilia, Gwendolyn, and Jeremiah.
A GoFundMe page was set up soon after his death to help the family who reportedly had "little to nothing," when he died due to the cost of his medical treatment.
© @vanderjames InstagramIt currently stands at $2.6 million with donations continuing to pour in for them.
