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Mahogany Roca of 90 Day Fiancé says Ben Rathbun was “a saint.”
On Tuesday, the TLC star took to social media to pay tribute to Ben, who recently died of stomach cancer. The pair appeared on season 5 of 90 Day Fiancé: Before the 90 Days, which followed Ben as he prepared to bring his then-girlfriend Mahogany from Peru to the U.S. They later married, they shared in a 2024 episode of 90 Day Diaries.
Mahogany Roca calls Ben Rathbun ‘a real Christian’
“I love you more than anyone, I love you forever and ever and ever,” read a post from an Instagram account that appears to belong to Mahogany. “I’m crying writing this but I still don’t know how tell internet about his privacy life and my privacy life. Guys he was a saint, he was a real Christian before he pass, he made peace will life and [God] and everyone, he was a peace maker, a child of God, he love life, he love love life, an angel in real person, in not lying.”
Ben died Monday, May 19 at his home in Greencastle, Indiana, according to a report from TMZ. The 55-year-old had been diagnosed with stomach cancer in late 2024.
Ben, a former pastor and father of four, met Mahogany, who was three decades younger than him, online. Despite his family’s concerns that he was being catfished, Ben eventually met Mahogany face-to-face. The couple later married.
“You worked with dignity and you strove to be the best son of God,” Mahogany wrote in another post. “And when this happened, I slept in hospitals with you, I tried to give you my love even though it made me helpless, I miss you so much my love. I miss you like the sky and the stars. Ben was the best father, friend, husband, son, and child of God.”
‘90 Day’ star faced personal and legal challenges before his death
Ben faced a number of legal and personal challenges before his death. In 2022, he was arrested and charged with embezzling funds from his employer, the Michigan Lupus Foundation, In Touch reported. The same year, he was arrested after violating his probation related to a previous drunk driving charge. In 2023, he was sued by American Express for failing to pay a five-figure credit card debt.
Mahogany seemed to acknowledge Ben’s struggles in her post, asking people to avoid speculating about his problems.
“No one can’t talk bad, Anymore! He was and is INNOCENT OF EVERYTHING. This is my true I’m not talking for the law,” she wrote. “Just for me, HE IS AN INNOCENT PERSON! Please, for my peace! No more speculation about his life. Was perfect, it doesn’t matter his past. His present was a real child of God.”
Several 90 Day alums expressed their condolences with Mahogany on the loss of her husband.
“I am sorry for your loss. ben was a good man from what i saw in the tell all,” wrote fellow Before the 90 Days alum Mike Berk.
“I am so so so sorry for your loss. This was heartbreaking to hear,” wrote 90 Day star Kim Menzies.” Please stay strong and know we are here for you. God Bless You and his family.”
Ben and Mahogany’s season of 90 Day Fiancé: Before the 90 Days is streaming on Max and discovery+.
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