Who is Mike Rinder’s wife? All about the family as Scientology whistleblower dies at 69

Mike Rinder, one of the former high-ranking Scientology officials turned whistleblower, died on January 5, 2025, due to advanced esophageal cancer at the age of 69. His wife, Christie King Collbran, announced his death, writing a tribute on Instagram.

Collbran posted a photo of Mike Rinder with their family and wrote:

"Rest in peace, my sweet, beautiful husband. I speak for so many when I say the sadness and pain we feel mirror the depth of our unwavering love for you."

Christie King Collbran was raised in a family of Scientologists and spent her formative years in the church’s teachings and practices. She joined the elite Sea Organization (Sea Org) at 16 pledging to a life of intense discipline and service.

She worked in a variety of roles for more than 13 years. But her time in the Sea Org was not without difficulties, with reported problems with job performance and breaches of Church protocols, per Freedom Magazine.

Christie married Chris Collbran and got pregnant in 2006. Sea Org members are required to take a leave of absence when they start a family, so this became a turning point in their lives. She soon left her family and her husband, who remained devoted to Scientology.

Christie's path eventually crossed with Mike Rinder, who offered support and guidance after she left the Sea Org. A personal relationship soon developed between them, with Rinder becoming her partner and, later, a co-critic of Scientology.

Mike Rinder’s history with the church of Scientology

Mike Rinder was once a leading member of the Church of Scientology, working in its upper ranks for decades before turning into one of its critics. Rinder, born in Adelaide, Australia, was raised in the Church, ultimately joining the elite Sea Organization (Sea Org).

An article by Entertainment Weekly reported that he eventually climbed up the ranks to become an International Spokesperson as well as the head of the Office of Special Affairs (OSA).

Over the years he worked there, he cited fears of authoritarian control, abuse, and a culture of fear under the leadership of David Miscavige. Years later, in 2007, Rinder left Scientology after more than four decades with the Church, cutting ties with his community and also with his family.

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He has since become one of the organization’s chief critics, collaborating and publishing many books, appearing in exposés, and advocating for accountability and transparency of the organization.

Mike Rinder wrote about his experiences within the organization in his 2022 book, "A Billion Years: My Escape From a Life in the Highest Ranks of Scientology."

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