Mike Rinder, Co-Host of “Leah Remini: Scientology and the Aftermath”, Dies at 69 After Final Blog Post: 'I Rest in Peace'

Mike Rinder, a former Scientologist turned outspoken critic of the organization who co-hosted the A&E series Leah Remini: Scientology and the Aftermath, has died. He was 69.

The author and podcaster's death was announced on Instagram by his wife Christie Collbran, who shared the sad news alongside a family photo with their sons, Shane and Jack.

"Rest in peace, my sweet, beautiful husband," Collbran wrote on Sunday, Jan. 5. "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."

"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. ❤️," she added.

Collbran went on to include her husband's "last words, as per Mike's wishes," which were also shared in a blog post titled "Farewell," published on his website Sunday, Jan. 5.

Related: Paying Tribute to the Celebrities Who Have Died in 2024

After noting that the website had "been a labor of love," Rinder wrote, "I have been lucky — living two lives in one lifetime. The second one the most wonderful years anyone could wish for with all of you and my new family!"

"My only real regret is not having achieved what I said I wanted to — ending the abuses of Scientology, especially disconnection, and seeing Jack into adulthood," he added. "If you are in any way fighting to end those abuses please keep the flag flying — never give up."

"Let the flowers grow and look to the future … With that said, I rest in peace," Rinder wrote later in the post, concluding his final words to the public with a quote from Cicero: "The life of the dead is placed in the memory of the living."

Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human-interest stories.

While no cause of death was given, Rinder shared that he'd been diagnosed with advanced esophageal cancer in a June 2023 blog post. That October, a post on his Instagram stated that his "latest scan did not show any cancer," and "his treatment is working."

Rinder was raised a Scientologist from age 5 but exited the church in 2007 at age 52.

He went on to write a memoir titled A Billion Years: My Escape From a Life in the Highest Ranks of Scientology, co-hosted the Scientology: Fair Game podcast alongside Leah Remini and also co-hosted Scientology and the Aftermath with Remini, 54.

Related: Leah Remini Says Daughter Sofia 'Wouldn't Be the Strong-Minded Kid She Is Now' If She Hadn't Left Scientology

The latter is a documentary series that ran for three seasons on A&E, and "explores individual accounts from ex-Church members and their families through meetings and interviews," according to an official synopsis from the network.

Remini, who visited Rinder over the Christmas holidays, wrote in the caption of a December 2024 Instagram post that her friend and colleague had "been courageously battling cancer."

"Your messages of love truly lift his spirits," she added. "Please keep Mike, Christie, and their two boys in your prayers. Surround them with all the love and strength they so deserve."

Rinder is survived by his wife Collbran, 12-year-old son Jack, and Collbran's son Shane. He also has two children with ex-wife Cathy, daughter Taryn and son Benjamin, per his website bio.

Read the original article on People