What type of cancer did Mike Rinder have? Scientology Whistleblower dies after cancer battle

Former Scientology executive Mike Rinder passed away after battling advanced esophageal cancer at the age of 69.

His wife, Christie King Collbran, announced the news on Sunday, January 5 on Instagram.

“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. Your courage, bravery, and integrity are unmatched and will forever inspire us.” She wrote.

“You have been the pillar of stability in our lives, filling our days with your strength, wisdom, love, laughter and devotion. The world will remember you. My best friend, my hero, my love, Michael John Rinder.” Collbran added to her post.

She shared Rinder’s last words in the post, in which he described his regret of not having achieved few things in his life that included, “ending the abuses of Scientology, especially disconnection and seeing Jack into adulthood.” He requested his followers on Instagram to refrain from sending any flowers but “contribute to Jack’s college fund.”

According to a report, on June 4, 2023, Mike Rinder’s wife shared through his blog post that he has been “officially diagnosed with advanced esophageal cancer.” This was confirmed by journalist and Scientology expert Tony Ortega, who shared a post on X, during the same time.

Following his recent death, tributes have been pouring in for the Scientology whistleblower as his friends and followers continue to remember him in their prayers.

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Tributes for Mike Rinder on social media

Many of Mike Rinder's friends and followers took to social media to pay him their tributes.

“This morning, my friend and one of my heroes, Mike Rinder passed away. Many of you know Mike from the docuseries on Scientology that he co-hosted with Leah Remini. It would mean the world to me if you would read what I wrote about him.” One of Rinder’s friend wrote on X.

“I am heartbroken by the loss of one of the most compassionate and fearless people I’ve ever known. Rest in peace, @MikeRinde. In lieu of flowers, Mike has asked that people contribute to his son’s college fund…” Another follower wrote.

“Very sad to hear this news today, Mike Rinder was amazing guy and I loved to hear everything he had to say about his past and the Cult he was so unfortunate to grow up in. Rip Mike, you will be missed. My condolences to Christie, his family and friends.” One more added.

“So gutted to hear about the death of @MikeRinder today. Sending love and comfort to his family, @LeahRemini, and everyone for whom he fought so hard and tirelessly. I didn’t come close to knowing the man, but so deeply admired his integrity and courage.” Another commented.

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About Mike Rinder’s life and family

According to the reports, Mike Rinder was born on April 10, 1955. He was an Australian-American former senior executive of the Church of Scientology International (CSI) and a prominent whistleblower against the organization.

He served on the board of directors from 1982 to 2007. After leaving the organization, he became a whistleblower and unveiled abusive practices followed by the church in a documentary called, Going Clear that was aired on HBO in 2015, as per a report in US Weekly.

The report further stated that when Leah Remini left Scientology in 2013, Rinder and Remini collaborated on the show Leah Remini: Scientology and the Aftermath, which ran from 2016 to 2019.

According to Mike Rinder's IMDb profile, he got married to his first wife, Catherine Elizabeth Neal on July 31, 1976. They share two children, a daughter named Taryn and a son named Benjamin. The couple divorced on November 19, 2007.

On June 23, 2013, Rinder tied the knot with Christie Collbran with whom he shared two sons – Shane and Jack. They were married until he passed this January.