James Van Der Beek’s brother posts a statement thanking his supporters

James Van Der Beek’s younger brother, Jared Van Der Beek, started working on it Instagram on Friday to thank those who reached out following James’ death on Wednesday.

“There is a special bond between brothers and two days ago that physical bond was severed,” he wrote. “I now know why people call it heartbreak when you lose someone close to you. There is a feeling of devastation and pain that is so deep in the heart, I didn’t know it would hurt so much. He was my person, the one I went to for anything and everything. I have looked up to him since I was born. He never failed to be there for me when I needed him.”

“It was amazing to read and see how he touched so many lives, not because of anything he did, but because of who he was,” he added. “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 outpourings of love, prayers and support. I sincerely thank you all for taking the time to reach out and let me know you are there. The community of people deeply involved in his passing was nothing short of amazing. Thank you to all the people known and unknown who helped make his transition as beautiful as possible.”

James Van Der Beek died on February 11 after a battle with colon cancer. He was 48 years old.

The Van Der Beek family announced James’ death in a statement posted on Instagram: “Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed away peacefully this morning. He spent his final days with courage, faith and grace. There is much to share about his wishes, love for humanity and the sanctity of time. Those days will come. For now, we ask for peaceful privacy as we mourn our loving husband, father, son, brother and friend.”