James Van Der Beek seen in heartbreaking final photo with Alfonso Ribeiro taken moments before ‘last goodbye’
Alfonso Ribeiro has shared a poignant glimpse into his final moments with close friend James Van Der Beek.
Van Der Beek, 48, passed away on Wednesday after a two-year battle with colorectal cancer, leaving behind his wife Kimberly and six children: Olivia, 15, Joshua, 13, Annabel, 12, Emilia, 9½, Gwendolyn, 7, and Jeremiah, 4.
Ribeiro is the godfather to Van Der Beek’s daughter Gwendolyn.
Taking to Instagram, the actor revealed that he was by the Dawson’s Creek star’s side shortly before his death.
Alongside a tender photo, Ribeiro wrote, ‘This was taken by @vanderkimberly just a few minutes before I said my last goodbye.’
He added that their final moments together were filled with laughter, sharing, ‘My last moment was making him laugh one last time.’
Alfonso Ribeiro shared his final moments with close friend James Van Der Beek on Instagram
The actor revealed that he was by the Dawson’s Creek star’s side shortly before his death
In the heartbreaking photo, the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air star is seen holding Van Der Beek’s head as he lies in bed, with a woven hat pulled low.
Just hours after Van Der Beek’s death was announced, Ribeiro shared another touching throwback photo of the two friends, this time standing side by side outside, with Van Der Beek looking healthy and vibrant.
He captioned the image: ‘I’m so broken right now with the passing of my friend @vanderjames today. He was my true friend, brother and life guide. I was with him through this horrible journey to beat cancer.
‘His family and friends went on this roller coaster ride – the highs when it looked like he had it beat to the breaking lows of it coming back.
‘I’ve learned so much from James. He and @vanderkimberly changed my life. I will forever be in debt for all they’ve given me and my family.
‘He will live forever in my heart. I will always be there for their children. I will always hold my role as Gwen’s Goddie daddy as one of the most important roles of my life.
‘I love you James and know I have a guardian angel watching over me. Being able to say goodbye this weekend will always live with me. RIP my brother. RIP.’
Just hours after Van Der Beek’s death was announced, Ribeiro shared another touching throwback photo of the two friends, this time standing side by side outside, with Van Der Beek looking healthy and vibrant
Ribeiro is the godfather to Van Der Beek’s seven-year-old daughter, Gwendolyn
