James Van Der Beek's wife, Kimberly Van Der Beek, pays tribute to Eric Dane: 'We love you'

Kimberly Van Der Beek shared a deeply moving tribute to Eric Melvin Dane following his demise. The 43-year-old film producer turned to Instagram Stories to express her grief just days after losing her own husband, James Van Der Beek. Her words capture the raw pain of back-to-back losses while honoring lifelong friendships.

Kimberly Van Der Beek's tribute to Eric Dane

Kimberly Van Der Beek posted a nostalgic 2017 throwback photo featuring her late husband, James David Van Der Beek, herself, Eric Melvin Dane, his estranged wife Rebecca Gayheart Dane, and their daughters Billie Dane and Georgia Dane from a red carpet event. In the caption, she wrote: “RIP @realericdane. We love you @rebeccagayheartdane. Will miss our guys laughing at Christmas parties together.” Rebecca Gayheart Dane reshared the image on her own Story, responding with a heart emoji and the words “So much love for you,” highlighting their bond.

Recent tragedies

James David Van Der Beek passed away on February 11, 2026, at age 48, after battling stage III colorectal cancer for two and a half years. He left Kimberly Van Der Beek and their six children: Olivia Van Der Beek, 14; Joshua Van Der Beek, 12; Annabel Van Der Beek, 10; Emilia Van Der Beek, 8; Gwen Van Der Beek, 6; and Jeremiah Van Der Beek, 3. Eric Melvin Dane followed on February 19, 2026, at age 53, after his April 2025 ALS diagnosis; his family said he spent his last moments with loved ones, including Rebecca Gayheart Dane, Billie Dane, and Georgia Dane.

Bonds beyond the screen

James David Van Der Beek and Eric Melvin Dane never worked together onscreen, but their spouses built genuine ties off-screen. James David Van Der Beek once called Eric Dane “the funniest man” on the Grey’s Anatomy set, showing clear admiration, as reported by People Magazine. Kimberly Van Der Beek’s post paints vivid holiday memories of laughter, now shadowed by sorrow.

Kate Walsh, Eric Melvin Dane’s Grey’s Anatomy co-star, shared her own tribute on Instagram, writing of their shared history. James David Van Der Beek had spoken openly about his cancer fight, saying it taught him “time is precious” and to embrace love. Eric Melvin Dane championed ALS awareness until the end.

Both families request privacy during this time. Kimberly Van Der Beek stood strong through James David Van Der Beek’s illness, from medical trips to family care, and now extends grace to another.

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