Anti-Gay Activist Who Gained Internet Infamy with Flaming Cheerios Protest Dies
Michael Leisner, a 65-year-old real estate agent who become the butt of many Internet jokes after he nearly set himself on fire during a poorly thought-out protest against General Mills' "pro-gay agenda," passed away Saturday near his home in Andover, Minnesota. He was 65.
Leisner's Cheerios burning antics garnered him viral infamy, leading to his termination from Greater Midwest Properties and the launch of a criminal probe by the Golden Valley Police Department.
Police Chief Stacy Carlson said that investigation has now been closed, "due to the suspect's death over the weekend."
While Leisner's cause of death has not been officially released, The Star Tribune reports that he passed away "while waiting in his car for his sons to finish playing tennis." He is survived by his wife and four children.