James Van Der Beek Mourns "Varsity Blues" Co-Star Ron Lester After His Tragic Death

Dallas SAG-AFTRA: Ron Lester
James Van Der Beek has finally broken his silence on the sudden death of his Varsity Blues co-star Ron Lester. In a series of tweets on June 18, James mourned his friend and called him a sensitive soul with a huge heart. See his heartbreaking messages now.

James Van Der Beek, 39,is grieving the loss of his beloved Varsity Blues co-star Ron Lester, who passed away on June 17 at the age of 45. Ron played the cherished Billy Bob alongside James Mox in the movie. James tweeted that everything we loved about Billy Bob was all because of Ron. Rest in peace, Ron.

Sad day James tweeted on June 18. #RonLesterwas a sensitive soul with a huge heart. Everything you loved about Billy Bob was authentically Ron. #RIPbud. He followed up with, Ill never forget how committed #RonLesterwas on every take even when the camera wasnt on him #giving #rare.

See More PICS of Ron Over The Years HERE

Ron passed away of organ failure on June 17 in Dallas.The actor had struggled with liver and kidney issues for months. He had been in and out of the hospital and told TMZ in Jan. 2016 that he was also suffering from heart problems. He shockingly lost over 300 pounds after undergoing gastric bypass surgery in 2001.

Ron was best known for his role as the larger than life lineman in the coming-of-age film. His character was a member of theWest Canaan High School football team and themomentwhen Billy Bob gets a touchdown is undoubtedly the best scene in the film.

Varsity Blues also co-starred Amy Smart, Jon Voight, and the late Paul Walker. This is the second star from the teen drama to have passed away suddenly. Paul died in 2013 in a tragic car crash.

HollywoodLifers, send your condolences to Rons family and friends below.

Source: http://hollywoodlife.com/2016/06/18/james-van-der-beek-ron-lester-death-messages-varsity-blues/