Tragically, the Dawson’s Creek star died in February at just 48, after being diagnosed with colorectal cancer. His passing was confirmed on his Instagram account on 11 February. "Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning," it began. 

"He met his final days with courage, faith, and grace. There is much to share regarding his wishes, love for humanity and the sacredness of time. "Those days will come. For now we ask for peaceful privacy as we grieve our loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend.” James Van Der Beek’s widow has shared a touching post to mark their anniversary (Instagram/vanderkimberly) In a post to mark their 16 year wedding anniversary, James’ heartbroken wife said she was ‘the luckiest woman in the world’ to marry the actor. She went on: “The beauty of this marriage continues to unfold everyday with all these incredible children we have. He continues to be present and guide us. I'm eternally grateful.” 

Kimberly also shared a carousel of images of her and James smiling into the camera as well as one of him hugging his kids. Back in June, Kimberly paid tribute to James on father’s day, writing: “Missing you so much and thinking of how magnificent you were in every single way today. And somehow, from the other side? You continue to parent. You're a marvel.” 

In March, to mark what have been the actor’s 49th birthday, his ten-year-old daughter Emilia recorded a moving video in which she said she talks to her dad every day and recommended it to others who were experiencing grief. 

“I’m just going to tell you little tips, or anything that helps you getting through anyone you love’s passing,” Emilia said in the clip that was posted on Kimberly’s Instagram. “So today is my dad's birthday, and the number one thing for somebody's passing is to talk to them and let your emotions out.

James and Kimberly had six children together (Instagram/vanderkimberly) “If you miss them, you can cry, you can talk to them. I talk to my dad every day. And I start with a sentence, and I say, 'Hi, Dad. I miss you and I love you so much, and I'll never stop loving you.'” 

Emilia went on to say that she tells her dad about her day and how she’s feeling, as she does to her family. “You just have to feel them in your heart,” she continued. “Because they’re in your heart, they’re watching over you. They’re a part of your body and in a good place.” 

Emilia said she knows her dad is ‘in a good place’ and free from pain, but shared that it’s OK to still feel sad but stressed people mustn’t blame themselves for a loved one’s death. “You can be angry, but don’t blame yourself,” she added. “Blaming yourself, it’s not a good strategy for someone’s passing.”

Kate Cassidy in the studio (Instagram/Kate Cassidy) A further post on her Instagram story showed a video clip of the small 444 tattoo on her hand being erased by a specialist machine. In the post, she explained the tattoos were being removed as she was unhappy with the quality and wanted to get them done again, but better. 

“Decided to get some tattoos removed that were done poorly," she said. “Will be getting redone eventually.” 

What's an angel number? 

Angels numbers are a repeating sequence of numbers, perhaps even common ones you see everyday, that can carry a symbolic meaning for people. 

They are typically three or four digits and tend to be either repeated, like 444, or have a clearly recognisable pattern, such as 321. They can be spotted anywhere from clocks, phone numbers, lottery tickets. Anywhere there's numbers. The tattoo has been removed (Instagram/Kate Cassidy)

Signs of alignment, reassurance, or encouragement from a higher source 

Jewellers Brilliant Earth explain that: "Although not scientific, angel numbers have roots in numerology, the belief that numbers hold distinct meanings that can influence personality, energy, and life events. "Many people interpret seeing these sequences as signs of alignment, reassurance, or encouragement from a higher source." 

They're a practice that's been around since the time of the Ancient Greeks and are believed to help people attune to the universe and spot signs for their desires or to ensure they're on the right path. 

444 is Cassidy and Payne's number as, The Sun reports, the singer used the number repeatedly in a series of notes he gave her. In the notes, Payne had said he would marry Cassidy within a year, with the number taking on a great significance to her.

The note Liam gave Kate (Instagram/Kate Cassidy)

'Me and Kate to marry within a year/engaged & together forever 444' 

Writing on social media in 2024, Cassidy revealed the significance of 444, writing: "A few weeks ago, we sat outside on a beautiful evening manifesting our lives together. 

“I keep your note close, even though you told me not to look at it. It said, ‘Me and Kate to marry within a year/engaged & together forever 444'. 

“Liam, I know we’ll be together forever, but not in the way we had planned. You’ll always be with me. I’ve gained a guardian angel. “I will love you for the rest of my life and beyond, carrying our dreams and memories with me everywhere I go. Forever yours, Katelyn 444." 

In angel numbers, each digit from 0–9 is said to carry its own meaning, with the No.4 representing stability and effort, according to Brilliant Earth.