United Kingdom, Feb. 12 -- Heather McComb will remember James Van Der Beek as being "innocent, kind and pure of heart".

The actor passed away on Wednesday (11.02.26), aged 48, after being diagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancer back in August 2023, and his ex-wife has now taken to social media to pay a heartfelt tribute to the Dawson's Creek star.

Heather, 48 - who married James in 2003 before separating in 2009 - wrote on Instagram: "I am heartbroken over the loss of beloved James. I am especially heartbroken for his incredible wife Kimberly, his beautiful children and his amazing family, Jim, Jared, Juliana and all of his family and friends who I know he loved deeply."

Heather subsequently described James as "a beautiful soul".

She...