Mike Rinder, famed co-host of *Scientology and the Aftermath*, has sadly passed away at the age of 69. Rinder's wife, Christie King Collbran, shared the heartbreaking news on Instagram, revealing that he had been battling advanced esophageal cancer since June 2023, though the specific cause of death remains undisclosed.

In her touching tribute, Christie expressed profound sorrow: “Rest in peace, my sweet, beautiful husband. 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. You have been the pillar of stability in our lives, filling our days with strength, wisdom, love, laughter, and devotion. The world will remember you. My best friend, my hero, my love, Michael John Rinder.”

Mike Rinder had a complex relationship with the Church of Scientology, where he was raised. He famously broke away from the organization in 2007, later shedding light on its controversial practices in the renowned HBO documentary *Going Clear*, which took the world by storm in 2015. Rinder joined forces with Leah Remini, a former member outspoken about her experiences, to co-host the compelling docuseries *Leah Remini: Scientology and the Aftermath*, airing from 2016 to 2019. Together, they exposed the church's practices, including the harmful policy known as "disconnection."

In 2020, Rinder and Remini furthered their mission through the podcast *Scientology: Fair Game*, continuing to rally against the organization they once called home. While Remini has yet to make a public statement about Rinder’s death, the impact of their work remains significant to many seeking justice.

In a poignant farewell, Rinder shared his parting thoughts with Christie before his death: “If you are reading this, I have shuffled off this mortal coil in accordance with the immutable law that there are only two certainties in life: death and taxes. My only real regret is not having achieved what I said I wanted to — ending the abuses of Scientology, especially disconnection, and seeing [my son] into adulthood. If you are in any way fighting to end those abuses please keep the flag flying — never give up. And please, if you are able in some way, help Christie and the boys to move forward into the next chapter of their lives.”

Rinder's legacy as an advocate for those affected by Scientology abuses will no doubt live on, inspiring future generations to fight against unjust practices and stand up for their rights.