Former Scientology Executive Whistleblower Mike Rinder Dies Aged 69

Former Scientology operative and whistleblower Mike Rinder died aged 69.

Rinder’s wife, Christie King of Collbran, announce his death on Sunday, January 5, after his battle with advanced esophageal cancer.

“Rest in peace, my sweet, beautiful husband,” King Collbran he wrote via Instagram. “I speak for so many when I say that the sadness and pain we feel reflects the depth of our unwavering love for you. Your bravery, courage and integrity are second to none and will forever inspire us. You were a 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.”

King Collbran included a message that Rinder wanted divided after his death.

“If you are reading this, I have removed this mortal coil in accordance with the immutable law that there are only two certainties in life: death and taxes,” his statement read. “My only regret is that I have not achieved what I said I wanted to do – to end the abuse of Scientology, especially disassociate and see (my son) into adulthood.”

The message continued: “If you are in any way fighting to end those abuses, keep the flag flying – never give up. And please, if you can in any way, help Christie and the boys move on to the next chapter of their lives.”

Rinder’s cause of death has not been disclosed, but it did in June 2023 he was diagnosed with cancer. Before he died, Rinder was raised in the Church of Scientology until he renounced the organization in 2007. He took part in HBO’s 2015 Getting Clear documentary, which revealed alleged abusive practices within the church.

The church, however, has denied claims made by Rinder. “Mike Rinder is an unwitting liar who seeks to profit from his dishonesty,” read the September 2022 statement following the release Rinder’s biography, A Billion Years: My Escape From Life in the Top Ranks of Scientology. “He supports himself by orchestrating the harassment of his former Church and its leader through false police reports, fiery propaganda and fraudulent media stories.”

After an actress Leah Remini She left Scientology in 2013, she and Rinder worked together on accident and emergency departments Leah Remini: Scientology and the Aftermath. The docuseries ran from 2016 to 2019, and the duo continue to speak out about the organization with their podcast “Scientology: Fair Game”.

Remini, 54, has yet to come to grips with Rinder’s death, but she has spend the holidays with him and his family.

“Spreading some holiday fun in Florida with my @rindermike and his beautiful family,” she wrote via Instagram in December 2024. “The outpouring of love and care for Mike and his family has touched me so much.”

Remini encouraged her followers to sending love to Rinderadding, “As many of you know, Mike has been bravely battling cancer, and your messages of love truly lift his spirits. Please keep Mike, Christie, and their two boys in your prayers. Surround them with all the love and strength they so deserve.”