James Van Der Beek seen in heartbreaking final photo with Alfonso Ribeiro taken moments before ‘last goodbye’

Alfonso Ribeiro shared a touching memory of his last moments with his close friend James Van Der Beek.

Van Der Beek, 48, died Wednesday after a two-year battle with colorectal cancer, leaving behind his wife Kimberly and their six children: Olivia, 15, Joshua, 13, Annabel, 12, Emilia, 9½, Gwendolyn, 7, and Jeremiah, 4.

Ribeiro is the godfather of Van Der Beek’s daughter, Gwendolyn.

The actor revealed on Instagram 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 moments before my final farewell.’

He added that their final moments together were filled with laughter, sharing, ‘My last moment was making him laugh one last time.’

The actor revealed that he was with the Dawson’s Creek star 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 his woven hat pulled down.

Just hours after Van Der Beek’s death was announced, Ribeiro shared another touching photo, this time of the two friends standing together outside, with Van Der Beek looking healthy and energetic.

He captioned the photo: ‘I am so heartbroken to hear about the passing of my friend @vanderjames today. He was my true friend, brother and life guide. I was with him on this scary journey to beat cancer.

‘His family and friends have been on this bumpy ride; Even though it looked like the highs had been surpassed, the lows were returning.

‘I learned a lot from James. Him and @vanderkimberly changed my life. I will forever be indebted for everything they have given me and my family.

‘He will live in my heart forever. I will always be there for your children. I will always hold the role of Gwen’s Goddie father as one of the most important roles of my life.

‘I love you James and I know I have a guardian angel protecting me. Being able to say goodbye to this weekend will always live with me. RIP bro. RIP.’

This loss reverberated throughout Hollywood; Her Dawson’s Creek castmates, including Katie Holmes, posted emotional tributes.

Just hours after Van Der Beek’s death was announced, Ribeiro shared another touching photo of the two friends, this time sitting outside together, with Van Der Beek looking healthy and energetic.

Ribeiro is godfather to Van Der Beek’s seven-year-old daughter, Gwendolyn.

In a hand-written statement on Instagram, Holmes, who played Joey Potter, remembered Van Der Beek for his ‘courage, compassion, selflessness and strength’, as well as his ‘appreciation of life’.

‘I mourn this loss with a heart that bears the reality of his absence and with deep gratitude for the mark he left on it,’ he added.

The actor made the following statement to his post: ‘I created some words with a heavy heart. This is a lot to process. I’m so grateful to have shared a piece of James’ journey. He is very loved.’

Busy Philipps, who joined Dawson’s Creek as Audrey Liddell in later seasons, also paid tribute on Instagram.

He thanked everyone who knew and loved him, including his friends, family and fans, writing that his ‘heart hurts deeply for all of us today.’

Philipps described Van Der Beek as ‘one in a billion’ who will be ‘forever missed’ and said he was ‘deeply saddened by his incredible wife Kimberly and their six magical children’.

“I’m so grateful for our friendship for all these years,” she added, reflecting on their bond both on and off screen.

‘He will live in my heart forever. I will always be there for your children. “I will always hold my role as Gwen’s Goddie father as one of the most important roles of my life,” Ribeiro wrote; (James and Kimberly with five of their six children)

Other stars also reacted to Van Der Beek’s death.

Reese Witherspoon, executive producer of Elle, the Legally Blonde prequel in which Van Der Beek will star after her death, wrote that she was “devastated” by the news.

‘What an extraordinary, talented man he is, while also displaying great kindness and grace in every action,’ she added. ‘I pray that all the angels watch over his family during this difficult time.’

More stars joined in sharing their condolences following the family’s announcement on Wednesday.

The following statements were included in the statement: ‘Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed away peacefully this morning. He faced his final days with courage, faith and grace. He has a lot to share about his wishes, his love for people, and the sanctity of time.

‘Those days will come. For now, we ask for peace and privacy as we grieve our loving husband, father, son, brother and friend.’

Van Der Beek’s death shook Hollywood; Her Dawson’s Creek co-stars, including Katie Holmes, gave heartfelt tributes online.

Katie Holmes, who plays Joey Potter, remembered Van Der Beek for his “courage, compassion, selflessness and strength” as well as his “appreciation of life” in a handwritten statement posted on Instagram.

Jennifer Garner, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Lucy Hale, Christie Brinkley and Rumer Willis responded to the announcement with likes.

A GoFundMe page was also launched Wednesday to support Van Der Beek’s family, with an initial goal of $500,000.

Kimberly shared on her Instagram Stories: ‘My friends created this link to support me and our children during this time. With gratitude and a broken heart.’

The page added: ‘Your generosity will help cover basic living expenses, pay bills and support children’s education.’