James Van Der Beek’s family was still dealing with the financial consequences of his cancer treatment when a fundraising campaign for his widow and six children began attracting attention. Within days of the actor’s death, the GoFundMe had raised millions of dollars to help with medical bills, living costs and the children’s education. Then details of a Texas property purchase resurfaced. Van Der Beek and his wife, Kimberly, had acquired the 36-acre ranch near Austin for about $4.76 million shortly before his death, according to the San Francisco Chronicle. The timing prompted questions online about why the family needed public donations after such a substantial property transaction. A close friend of the actor later pushed back against the criticism, saying the circumstances behind the purchase were not being understood.
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