James Van Der Beek's friends helped him secure a down payment for his home before his death.

The Dawson's Creek actor - who passed away on 11 February after battling cancer - and his wife Kimberly left California for Austin, Texas, with their children in 2020 and although they had been renting their ranch, James was able to take steps to secure their abode in the time before he died.

His spokesperson told People magazine: "James secured down payment for the Texas ranch for the family with the help of friends through a trust so they could shift from rent to mortgage."

In the wake of the Varsity Blues star's death, a GoFundMe page was set up to help support Kimberly and their children, Olivia, 15, Joshua, 13, Annabel, 12, Emilia, nine, Gwendolyn, seven, and four-year-old Jeremiah, and the family recently thanked friends and fans for their generosity after receiving over $2 million.

A statement posted on the fundraising page read: "Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for showing up for James and his beautiful family. Your kindness has meant more than we can put into words. In the middle of deep grief, your support has been a light. It reminds us that love is real, that community is strong, and that James's spirit continues to bring people together."

Steven Spielberg is among high-profile donors to the fund, with he and wife Kate Capshaw giving $25,000, just $5,000 left than the most generous donor, an anonymous person who pledged $30,000.

Guardant Health also donated $25,000.

The organisation wrote in a tribute on X: "We are heartbroken by the passing of James Van Der Beek.

"James was the first brand ambassador for Guardant Health and our Shield blood test for colorectal cancer screening, reflecting our shared belief in the power of patient voices.

"It was an honor to witness the unwavering commitment he demonstrated over the past year to raising awareness of colorectal cancer and encouraging more people to get screened.

"His voice and advocacy will leave a lasting mark on the fight against colorectal cancer."

Wicked filmmaker Jon M. Chu made a $10,000 donation, and actress Zoe Saldana has set up a monthly payment of $2,500.