Meredith Monroe has paid tribute to her late Dawson's Creek co-star James Van Der Beek

The 48-year-old is survived by his wife Kimberly and their six children, and in her post, Meredith said she had struggled to find the right words but had been unable to stop thinking about James and his family.

She wrote: "It's been 2 weeks + I still don't know what to say?? Nothing seems right?? James, you, Kimberly, your children + families have been constantly in my thoughts, my prayers + on my heart.

"I've been flooded with fond memories of our friendship that we shared over the years + this is what's come from them -

"Your legacy is your light. Whether 1 on 1, at a party, an event, or in your art you've always shared your light through: your humor + laughter, your curiosity, time + energy both in others + the world around you, your ability to be completely present + make others feel welcome + comfortable, your sincerity, friendship, compassion + love (sic)."

Addressing James directly, Meredith added: "James may the love + community that your light has built worldwide be reflected back infinitely upon your beautiful wife Kimberly, your amazing children + your family.

"God gained an angel far too soon. Rest in peace [white heart emoji] (sic)."

Meredith's former Dawson's Creek co-stars Katie Holmes and Busy Philipps have also paid tribute to James.

Katie, 47, who played Joey Potter on the series, said online: "James, thank you. To share space with your imagination is sacred - breathing the same air in the land of make-believe and trusting that each other's hearts are safe in their expression.

"These are some of the memories, along with laughter, conversations about life, James Taylor songs - adventures of a unique youth... .

"Bravery. Compassion. Selflessness. Strength. An appreciation for life and the action taken to live life with the integrity that life is art - creating a beautiful marriage, six loving children - the journey of a hero.

"I mourn this loss with a heart holding the reality of his absence and deep gratitude for his imprint on it."

Katie added: "To Kimberly and the children, we are here for you always. And will always be there to shower you with love and compassion."

Busy, 46, who played Audrey Liddell, also shared a message on Instagram.

She wrote: "My heart is deeply hurting for all of us today... every person who knew James and loved him, anyone who loved his work or had the pleasure of meeting him, all of his dear friends and community that surrounded him as he battled this illness, especially his parents and brother and sister.

"But I am profoundly heartbroken for his incredible wife Kimberly and their six magical children. There is a go fund me for them to help out and i'll put the link in my stories.

"James Van Der Beek was one in a billion and he will be forever missed and i don't know what else to say. i am just so so sad. He was my friend and i loved him and i'm so grateful for our friendship all these years. (Heart emoji) (sic)."