Dawson's Creek star James Van Der Beek dies aged 48 

A statement released by the American actor’s family on Wednesday said he had died “peacefully”.

James Van Der Beek played Dawson Leery in the hit American teen drama series Dawson's Creek. Picture: Getty Images.

American actor James Van Der Beek has died after suffering bowel cancer.

A statement released by his family on Wednesday said he had died “peacefully”.