Ben Rathbun was an American reality television personality best known for appearing on TLC’s 90 Day Fiancé: Before the 90 Days. A former pastor and father of four, he became a recognizable figure in the franchise through his long-distance relationship with Mahogany Roca, a woman from Peru who was considerably younger than him.

Their relationship attracted attention during the show’s fifth season, which premiered in December 2021. Viewers followed Rathbun as he traveled internationally to meet Roca after developing a romantic connection online.

Although their relationship involved uncertainty, disagreements, and skepticism from people around them, the couple eventually married. Their wedding became public during an episode of 90 Day Diaries in February 2024.

Rathbun’s story later took a tragic turn. He died on May 19, 2025, at the age of 55, following a battle with advanced stomach cancer. His death was confirmed through family statements and widely reported by entertainment publications.

His life was not limited to reality television. Before appearing on TLC, he had worked in religious ministry and pursued opportunities in modeling and fitness. His experiences with family, faith, and relationships became important parts of how audiences came to know him.

This article examines Ben Rathbun’s background, his relationship with Mahogany Roca, their marriage, the circumstances surrounding his death, and the television story that brought him public recognition.

Who Was Ben Rathbun?

Ben Rathbun was an American former pastor, model, and reality television personality who appeared on Season 5 of 90 Day Fiancé: Before the 90 Days.

He was 52 when he was introduced to audiences through the show. At that time, he was a divorced father of four living in Michigan.

Rathbun’s background differed from that of many reality television personalities who had established careers in entertainment before appearing on television.

He had spent an important part of his adult life involved in religious activities and family responsibilities.

According to the background provided by TLC, he previously worked as a pastor in a conservative religious community. He eventually left that environment and began reconsidering different aspects of his personal and professional life.

His decision to pursue a relationship with someone living in another country became the central focus of his television appearance.

Ben Rathbun’s Early Life and Background

Rathbun was born around 1969 or 1970, based on his reported age at the time of his death.

His exact birth date is not consistently established in the reliable sources reviewed, so a specific date should not be presented as confirmed.

Before achieving television recognition, Rathbun had been married and was raising children.

His earlier marriage ended in divorce, and he subsequently pursued a different direction in life.

During his appearance on Before the 90 Days, Rathbun discussed the influence of his religious upbringing and his transition away from the strict religious setting in which he had previously worked.

Those experiences provided context for his decisions about relationships, spirituality, and personal independence.

However, television episodes show only selected portions of a person’s life. His complete personal history cannot be reconstructed from edited footage or public interviews alone.

Ben Rathbun’s Career Before Reality Television

His Work as a Pastor

One of the most distinctive aspects of Rathbun’s background was his former career in religious ministry.

TLC introduced him as someone who had left both his marriage and his role as a pastor within a strict conservative religious community.

His time in ministry was significant because he frequently discussed religious beliefs while explaining his personal decisions on television.

Faith also played a role in his relationship with Mahogany Roca.

Their shared religious interests were among the reasons Rathbun believed they had developed a meaningful connection.

Nevertheless, personal religious convictions do not establish the health or compatibility of a romantic relationship.

The program presented both the importance Rathbun placed on faith and the practical difficulties he encountered when trying to build a relationship across national borders.

Modeling and Fitness Interests

After leaving his earlier professional life, Rathbun pursued opportunities involving fitness and modeling.

According to TLC’s original introduction, he appeared in a fitness magazine, which became relevant to the way Mahogany first contacted him.

His modeling background also became part of his public identity on the show.

Later reporting described his interest in fitness-related business activities, although comprehensive, independently verified information about the financial performance of those ventures is unavailable.

For that reason, it would be inaccurate to describe him as the founder of a major successful fitness company without supporting evidence.

His public career is best documented through his religious background, modeling activities, and participation in reality television.

How Ben Rathbun Became Famous on 90 Day Fiancé

Rathbun joined 90 Day Fiancé: Before the 90 Days during the show’s fifth season.

The season premiered on TLC on December 12, 2021, and followed couples who were developing international relationships before potentially pursuing marriage and immigration arrangements.

Rathbun’s storyline centered on Mahogany Roca, a woman from San Bartolo, Peru.

The two had developed their relationship through online communication before meeting in person.

According to TLC’s original cast description, Mahogany contacted Rathbun after seeing him featured in a fitness publication.

They began communicating regularly, and their connection eventually became romantic.

However, the circumstances surrounding their relationship raised concerns among Rathbun’s friends and family.

The couple had a substantial age difference, lived in separate countries, and had not communicated through video calls before their storyline began.

These circumstances created uncertainty about whether their relationship would develop as Rathbun expected.

Why Ben and Mahogany’s Relationship Attracted Attention

Their storyline involved several issues that made viewers question the relationship.

First, there was the age difference.

TLC’s original promotional material listed Rathbun as 52 and Roca as 24, although later episodes and reporting described her as 22.

The inconsistency surrounding her age became one of the subjects discussed during their television appearance.

Second, the couple had developed a romantic connection primarily through digital communication.

Rathbun expressed confidence in the relationship, but people close to him questioned whether he knew enough about Mahogany.

Third, the two faced practical challenges associated with living in different countries.

Travel arrangements, language differences, family involvement, and expectations about commitment became important parts of their story.

These issues were not unique to Rathbun and Roca, but reality television placed their disagreements before a much larger audience.

Did Ben Rathbun Actually Meet Mahogany Roca?

Yes. Although their online relationship initially generated skepticism, Rathbun and Roca eventually met in Peru.

Their first in-person meeting did not proceed as smoothly as Rathbun had hoped.

The program showed periods of uncertainty and disagreement between them, including differences in how they viewed their relationship.

These scenes contributed to public debate about their compatibility.

However, it is important to distinguish what appeared on television from claims made by viewers.

Some fans questioned whether Mahogany was genuine or whether their relationship had been exaggerated for television.

Such speculation does not establish that either person was deliberately deceiving the other.

The documented outcome is that the two met, continued their relationship, and eventually reported getting married.

Ben Rathbun and Mahogany Roca’s Relationship After the Show

The relationship between Ben Rathbun and Mahogany Roca did not end with their initial appearance on Before the 90 Days.

Although viewers saw substantial disagreements during their first season, the pair continued their relationship away from the original television storyline.

They later became engaged.

Their relationship remained a subject of interest among franchise followers because many viewers had doubted that they would remain together.

However, public visibility into their private life was limited.

Neither television footage nor social media provided a complete picture of their relationship outside filming.

The most significant confirmed development came when they returned to the franchise through 90 Day Diaries.

Did Ben Rathbun and Mahogany Roca Get Married?

Yes. Ben Rathbun and Mahogany Roca confirmed their marriage during an episode of 90 Day Diaries that aired on February 5, 2024.

The couple revealed that they had married in a civil ceremony several months before the episode.

Entertainment Tonight reported that their wedding took place near the ocean and that Rathbun described the ceremony positively.

The episode also indicated that the couple hoped to have a religious wedding ceremony in the future.

However, the availability of public reporting does not establish whether that additional ceremony ultimately took place.

Their marriage was significant because it confirmed that the relationship had continued beyond the uncertainty featured during their original season.

Was Mahogany Roca Still Married to Ben When He Died?

Reports published following Rathbun’s death identified Mahogany Roca as his wife.

She was reportedly among the family members present during his final days.

After his death, Roca publicly expressed grief and asked people to respect their private lives.

Her response offered a more personal perspective than the discussions surrounding their earlier television appearances.

At the same time, the full details of their marriage remain private.

It would be inappropriate to draw conclusions about their relationship solely from social media posts or selected television scenes.

What Happened to Ben Rathbun?

Ben Rathbun died on May 19, 2025, after battling advanced stomach cancer.

He was 55 years old.

The news was reported by TMZ and subsequently confirmed in coverage by People, Entertainment Tonight-related publications, and other entertainment news outlets.

His former wife, Lisa Perry Rathbun, also announced his death publicly.

According to family reporting, Rathbun spent his final hours at his parents’ home in Greencastle, Indiana, surrounded by loved ones.

His death marked the end of a relatively brief period of public recognition that had begun with his appearance on TLC in 2021.

For viewers who remembered his relationship storyline, the announcement was a significant update on someone whose personal life had previously been presented through reality television.

Ben Rathbun’s Cause of Death

Rathbun’s reported cause of death was complications associated with stage 4 stomach cancer.

Entertainment publications reported that he had been diagnosed with advanced cancer in late 2024.

Some reporting identified the disease more specifically as metastatic adenocarcinoma.

Adenocarcinoma is a type of cancer that develops in glandular tissue. In the stomach, it is the most common form of stomach cancer.

The term metastatic means that cancer has spread from its original location to other parts of the body.

Stage 4 stomach cancer is an advanced disease, although its progression and treatment options vary considerably between patients.

Public reporting has not provided a comprehensive medical record describing Rathbun’s individual cancer treatment, response to therapy, or complete clinical history.

For that reason, assumptions about his treatment decisions or the precise medical circumstances of his final illness should be avoided.

When Was Ben Rathbun Diagnosed With Cancer?

Reports indicated that Rathbun received his cancer diagnosis toward the end of 2024, with some publications specifying December.

By May 2025, the illness had progressed to the point that he died while surrounded by family.

The relatively short period between the reported diagnosis and his death attracted attention among fans.

However, the time between diagnosis and death does not independently establish when a cancer first developed.

Without medical records, it is not possible to determine how long the disease had been present before diagnosis.

Nor would it be appropriate to infer that a particular medical decision caused the outcome.

The verified information is that Rathbun had been diagnosed with advanced stomach cancer and died in May 2025.

How Ben Rathbun’s Family Announced His Death

One of the most important confirmations of Rathbun’s death came from his former wife, Lisa Perry Rathbun.

In May 2025, she shared a public message announcing that he had died.

Her statement identified him as her former husband and the father of their four children.

She also confirmed that he had died of cancer at his parents’ home in Indiana.

The announcement placed his family relationships at the center of the news.

Although Rathbun became known to television audiences through his relationship with Mahogany Roca, he had also been a father long before joining the show.

His children were part of his established family life and had occasionally been discussed during his reality television appearance.

Their private experiences following his death should not be confused with the entertainment coverage surrounding his public career.

Mahogany Roca’s Response

Roca shared an emotional statement following Rathbun’s death.

Her comments described her grief and reflected the importance she placed on their relationship and religious beliefs.

She also asked people not to speculate about aspects of their private lives.

The statement was notable because online discussions about their relationship had often focused on skepticism and disagreement.

After his death, her comments emphasized their personal bond rather than the controversies that had surrounded them on television.

In July 2025, TV Insider reported that Roca had shared another update about life following her husband’s passing.

Beyond those public statements, there is limited dependable information about her subsequent personal circumstances.

Her private life should not be treated as an ongoing reality television storyline.

Ben Rathbun’s Family and Children

Rathbun was the father of four children from his previous marriage to Lisa Perry Rathbun.

His role as a parent was introduced during his time on Before the 90 Days.

Family members expressed concerns about aspects of his long-distance relationship, including the substantial age difference between him and Mahogany.

Those concerns became part of the program’s narrative.

However, relationships between parents and children are complex, and televised conversations do not provide a complete account of a family’s private circumstances.

Following his death, Lisa’s announcement acknowledged the four children they shared.

The family relationship is an important part of Rathbun’s biography, but details about his children’s current lives are not necessary to understand his public story.

Ben Rathbun’s Life and Television Career: Timeline

Year	Important event
Around 1969–1970	Ben Rathbun was born in the United States.
Before 2021	He worked in religious ministry and later pursued fitness modeling.
December 2021	Season 5 of 90 Day Fiancé: Before the 90 Days premiered, introducing his relationship with Mahogany Roca.
2022	Viewers followed his trip to Peru and his attempts to develop their relationship in person.
2023	Rathbun and Roca reportedly married in a civil ceremony, later confirmed on television.
February 2024	The couple revealed their marriage on 90 Day Diaries.
Late 2024	Rathbun was reportedly diagnosed with advanced stomach cancer.
May 19, 2025	Rathbun died at age 55 in Greencastle, Indiana.
July 2025	Roca publicly discussed her grief following his death.

This timeline focuses on reasonably well-documented developments rather than trying to fill gaps in his private life.

Why Ben Rathbun’s Story Remained Memorable to Viewers

Rathbun’s television appearance became notable because it combined several recurring themes within the 90 Day Fiancé franchise.

His story involved an international relationship, substantial age differences, uncertainty about online communication, and conflicting expectations about marriage.

It also introduced questions about how family responsibilities and religious beliefs can influence romantic decisions.

These themes encouraged viewers to form strong opinions about his choices.

Some viewers were skeptical of the relationship, while others followed the couple’s story to see whether they would eventually marry.

Their later wedding confirmation gave the storyline an outcome that was different from what some audiences had expected.

However, television popularity should not be confused with a complete understanding of the people appearing on screen.

Reality programs are edited for storytelling and may emphasize disagreements or emotionally dramatic moments.

Rathbun’s public identity was influenced by those editorial choices as well as by his own statements and decisions.

Reality Television Versus Private Life

A reality television appearance provides viewers with access to selected aspects of a participant’s experience.

It does not necessarily show every conversation, motivation, or personal circumstance.

This distinction matters when discussing Rathbun because some commentary about his relationship was based primarily on episodes, social media reactions, or speculation.

His marriage to Roca was confirmed on television, but most of their subsequent daily life remained private.

Similarly, reports about his final illness offered only limited medical information.

A factual account can describe the publicly documented events without claiming to know everything that happened outside the cameras.

Ben Rathbun’s Legacy on 90 Day Fiancé

Ben Rathbun was not a longtime television host or a performer with an extensive list of acting credits.

His public recognition came primarily from one prominent reality television storyline and its later follow-up.

Nevertheless, Before the 90 Days introduced him to a large audience interested in international relationships and the personal experiences of the show’s participants.

His storyline continued beyond his first season when he and Mahogany confirmed that they had married.

Following his death, entertainment publications revisited his time on the program while reporting the circumstances of his illness.

For many viewers, his story became associated with the contrast between the public uncertainty surrounding his relationship and the private family life he maintained beyond television.

His death also serves as a reminder that reality television participants continue to have personal experiences, responsibilities, and relationships after their appearances end.

Understanding those boundaries is important when discussing the lives of people whose stories have been widely shared for entertainment.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ben Rathbun

Is Ben Rathbun still alive?

No. Ben Rathbun died on May 19, 2025, at the age of 55.

What was Ben Rathbun’s cause of death?

He died following a battle with stage 4 stomach cancer, according to family statements and multiple entertainment news reports.

How old was Ben Rathbun when he died?

Rathbun was 55 years old.

Who was Ben Rathbun’s wife?

Mahogany Roca was identified as his wife at the time of his death. He had previously been married to Lisa Perry Rathbun, with whom he shared four children.

Did Ben Rathbun and Mahogany Roca get married?

Yes. The couple confirmed their marriage in a February 2024 episode of 90 Day Diaries. They said the civil ceremony had taken place several months earlier.

Which season of 90 Day Fiancé featured Ben Rathbun?

He appeared on Season 5 of 90 Day Fiancé: Before the 90 Days, which premiered in December 2021.

Where was Ben Rathbun from?

TLC introduced him as being from Fraser, Michigan. He died in Greencastle, Indiana.

Was Ben Rathbun a pastor?

Yes. He had previously worked in religious ministry before pursuing other activities and appearing on reality television.

Did Ben Rathbun have children?

Yes. He had four children from his previous marriage.

When did Ben Rathbun appear on television for the last time?

One of his last notable franchise appearances was the February 2024 episode of 90 Day Diaries in which he and Mahogany discussed their marriage. A complete final-appearance date across all media has not been independently established.

Conclusion

Ben Rathbun became known to reality television viewers through his appearance on 90 Day Fiancé: Before the 90 Days and his relationship with Mahogany Roca.

His story began with an online romance that raised questions among his family and television audiences. Despite the difficulties shown on the program, he and Mahogany continued their relationship and later confirmed that they had married.

Away from television, Rathbun had a personal history involving religious ministry, modeling, family responsibilities, and fatherhood.

His death on May 19, 2025, following a battle with advanced stomach cancer brought renewed attention to his life and the people closest to him.

While his reality television appearances remain the main reason many people recognize his name, his biography extends beyond the relationships and disagreements shown on screen.

A complete understanding of Ben Rathbun recognizes both his public experiences and the private life that continued after the cameras stopped filming.

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