'90 Day Fiancé' Star Ben Rathbun Dead at 55

​​This reality TV star's journey from spotlight to a quiet farewell in Indiana has come to an end, leaving behind a complex legacy shaped by love, controversy, and faith.

Ben Rathbun, known for his appearance on "90 Day Fiancé: Before the 90 Days," has passed away at the age of 55. He died on Monday morning, May 19, 2025, at his home in Greencastle, Indiana. According to a family source, he was surrounded by loved ones at the time of his passing.

Rathbun had been diagnosed with stage 4 stomach cancer in late 2024. He had been undergoing treatment and spending time with family in the months leading up to his death.

He first gained public attention during Season 5 of the "90 Day Fiancé" spinoff. At the time, he was a 52-year-old father of four who had begun an online relationship with 22-year-old Mahogany Roca from South America.

Their relationship drew skepticism from viewers, with some speculating that Roca might have been catfishing him. However, they eventually met in person, disproving those rumors.

In a February 2022 clip from the show, the couple was seen embracing. During the episode, Roca explained how her parents initially doubted Rathbun's intentions, but she decided to give him a chance after he traveled to her hometown to meet her.

Following the end of the show, they couple reportedly married. She was said to be by his side at the time of his passing.

Roca has since shared tributes to Rathbun on Instagram. In one post, she wrote, "I love you more than anyone, I love you forever and ever and ever. I'm crying writing this but I still don’t know how tell internet about his privacy life and my privacy life."

She described Rathbun as "a real Christian," adding, "He was a peace maker, a child of God…an angel in real person…HE IS AN INNOCENT PERSON [sic]!"

In another post accompanied by several photos, she recalled their life together. "Every morning, your breakfasts in bed, your kisses, your smiles and your beautiful blue eyes… you worked with dignity and you strove to be the best son of God. And when this happened, I slept in hospitals with you… I miss you so much my love."

Lisa Perry Rathbun shared the news that her former husband died of cancer on Monday, May 19, at his parents' residence in Indiana. She noted that he was the father of their four children and asked others to keep their family in their prayers.

While Rathbun's final years were marked by illness, he also faced a series of legal troubles that drew public attention. On March 15, 2022, he was arrested after failing to attend a probation violation hearing.

According to Us Weekly, the violation was linked to charges from 2020 when he was booked for operating a vehicle while under the influence and driving with a suspended license.

In January 2021, he was sentenced to 18 months probation. His missed hearing led to a bench warrant being issued, and he was taken into custody with bail set at $10,000.

Additional legal issues surfaced in 2024. According to an Instagram post by shabootydotcom dated November 26, Rathbun was arraigned in Michigan on a felony embezzlement charge involving funds between $1,000 and $20,000 from a nonprofit or charitable organization.

The alleged offense dated back to 2018. The post claimed he had been living in Peru with Roca and was arrested upon returning to the U.S. after his passport was flagged in Washington, D.C. He was later extradited to Michigan to face the charges.

A day prior, another post from the same account stated that Rathbun had also been arrested for failing to pay child support. He was reportedly held in an Oakland County, Michigan jail at the time.

The post noted that Roca remained by his side, though communication between her and his family appeared limited, with only one of his daughters reportedly speaking with her.

Rathbun's life was marked by public attention, personal struggles, and a deeply committed relationship with Roca. As loved ones mourn his passing, they continue to reflect on his journey — from reality television to his final days surrounded by family.