Host Apologizes for Incorrectly Announcing Actor’s Death
The unexpected announcement of actor James Van Der Beek’s death, erroneously linked to Dick Van Dyke by radio host Ashley Roberts, has drawn significant attention. Van Der Beek, known for his role in Dawson’s Creek, passed away at the age of 48 after a long battle with stage 3 colorectal cancer.
Incorrect Death Announcement Leads to Apology
On Thursday, during the Breakfast Show on Heart FM, Ashley Roberts mistakenly reported that Dick Van Dyke had died. The announcement was surprising, especially since the iconic actor recently celebrated his 100th birthday. Her co-host Jamie Theakston quickly corrected the error, stating, “Not Dick Van Dyke. Come on, if you’re going to do a sensitive moment… you can’t just say Dick Van Dyke.”
A Tribute to James Van Der Beek
James Van Der Beek’s death was confirmed by his wife, Kimberly, on Instagram. In her emotional post, she wrote about their beloved husband and father passing peacefully. No official cause of death was disclosed, but he had been fighting colorectal cancer for years. Kimberly shared, “He met his final days with courage, faith, and grace.”
- Van Der Beek’s age: 48 years old
- TV Show:Dawson’s Creek (1998-2003)
- Cancer Diagnosis: Stage 3 colorectal cancer, diagnosed in 2024
- Last Instagram Post: A tribute to his daughter and father
Public Reactions and Tributes
Following Van Der Beek’s passing, many tributes have poured in from friends and co-stars. Chad Michael Murray expressed his condolences, emphasizing Van Der Beek’s inspiring character. Actress Sarah Michelle Gellar also commented, mourning the loss and stating, “This is a huge loss to not just your family but the world. F— Cancer.”
GoFundMe Campaign for the Family
In light of the financial strain due to his medical treatment, Van Der Beek’s family has launched a GoFundMe campaign. Kimberly noted that they faced difficulties covering essential living expenses and supporting their children’s education. The campaign raised an impressive $1.6 million in its first day, surpassing the initial goal of $1.5 million.
This tragic event serves as a reminder of the fragility of life and the impact of cancer on families. As the community continues to mourn, they also provide support for the Van Der Beek family during this challenging time.
