James Van Der Beek’s Brother Jared Writes Sweet Tribute

James Van Der Beek’s younger brother, Jared, shared a heartfelt tribute of the late actor, who died on February 11. “There’s a special bond that exists between brothers and two days ago, that physical bond was broken,” Jared began in an Instagram post on February 13. “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.”

Jared 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 have taken the time to reach out, letting me know that you’re there. The community of people who were intimately involved in his passing were nothing short of amazing.”