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\t\t<\/p>\n Katie Holmes<\/strong><\/a> is breaking her silence after the tragic death of her Dawson\u2019s Creek<\/strong><\/a><\/em> co-star James Van Der Beek<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n On Wednesday (February 11), James <\/strong>passed away after battling colorectal cancer<\/a> since August 2023. He was 48.<\/p>\n Hours later, Katie<\/strong>, who starred as Joey Potter opposite James<\/strong> as Dawson Leery on the hit teen drama, took to Instagram<\/a> to pay tribute to her late co-star.<\/p>\n Keep reading to find out more\u2026<\/em><\/strong><\/span>\u201cI formed some words with a heavy heart,\u201d Katie<\/strong> wrote in the caption of her post. \u201cThis is a lot to process. I am so grateful to have shared in a piece of James\u2019 journey. He is beloved. Kimberly<\/strong><\/a>, we love you and will be here always for you and your beautiful children. \u2764\ufe0f\u201d<\/p>\n She also shared a handwritten note, in which she wrote, \u201cJames, thank you. To share space with your imagination is sacred \u2014 breathing the same air in the land of make believe and trusting that each other\u2019s hearts are safe in their expression\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThese are some of the memories, along with laughter, conversations about life, James Taylor songs \u2014 adventures of a unique youth,\u201d she continued. \u201cBravery. Compassion. Selflessness. Strength. An appreciation for life and the action taken to live life with the integrity that life is art \u2014 creating a beautiful marriage, six loving children \u2014 the journey of a hero.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI mourn this loss with a heart holding the reality of his absence and deep gratitude for his imprint on it,\u201d Katie<\/strong> concluded. \u201cTo Kimberly and the children, we are here for you always. And will always be there to shower you with love and compassion.\u201d<\/p>\n Back in September 2025, Katie <\/strong>and the majority of the Dawson\u2019s Creek<\/em> cast reunited for a benefit event<\/a> to raise money for James<\/strong> and his cancer battle. Due to his illness, James<\/strong> wasn\u2019t able to attend.<\/p>\n If you didn\u2019t see, another Dawson\u2019s Creek<\/em> star also paid tribute to James<\/strong><\/a> after his passing.<\/p>\n <\/span><\/p><\/div>\n