A Christmas card, penned just days before their tragic deaths, offers a poignant glimpse into the lives of Rob and Michele Reiner. The handwritten note, received by a close friend, reveals a relationship built on enduring affection, playful disagreements, and a remarkable ability to always find their way back to each other.
Neda Soderqvist, a trainer for Michele for fifteen years, shared the card on social media, alongside a touching tribute to the couple she considered family. The message, addressed to Soderqvist, speaks of a bond that weathered the years – a comfortable rhythm of love and occasional friction, always resolving into something stronger.
“Dear Neda – What can I say after all these years. We love each other, are mad at each other, and then just move on!” the card reads, a testament to the Reiners’ authentic connection. It concludes with warm wishes for the holidays and a simple, heartfelt “Love, Michele and Rob.”
Soderqvist also received a Christmas bonus from the couple, a gesture that exemplified their generosity even in their final days. Michele, Soderqvist recalled, always insisted the bonus be used for herself, a quirky expression of her care and desire for her friend’s well-being.
The depth of their friendship is further revealed in Soderqvist’s vow to honor Michele’s memory. She plans to donate a portion of the bonus to a foundation Michele deeply supported, while keeping a portion for herself, fulfilling her friend’s wish. “Thank you for being my best friend ride or die,” Soderqvist wrote, expressing profound gratitude.
Soderqvist described a relationship that transcended a typical trainer-client dynamic, evolving into a deep and unwavering familial bond. She spoke of the Reiners’ constant support and the profound impact Michele had on her life, teaching her self-worth and self-love.
The news of their deaths, determined to be the result of multiple sharp force injuries in a homicide, sent shockwaves through Hollywood. Their son, Nick, has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder, a devastating revelation that has left family and friends reeling.
In a later interview, Soderqvist fondly remembered the Reiners’ enduring romance, observing that after 36 years of marriage, they still behaved like newlyweds, holding hands as they left her studio. Their connection, she emphasized, remained vibrant and deeply affectionate.
Nick Reiner, 32, is currently held without bail, and has a history of addiction and mental health struggles, including schizophrenia. Legal experts suggest a potential insanity plea, though the path forward is complex and requires medical clearance.
Following his arrest, Nick was placed on suicide watch in solitary confinement. If convicted, he faces a possible sentence of life in prison without parole, or even the death penalty. His arraignment is scheduled for January 7, 2026.
The Reiner children, Jake and Romy, have requested privacy as they navigate their unimaginable grief. Romy discovered her parents’ bodies, adding another layer of trauma to an already heartbreaking situation.
A memorial service is planned to honor Rob and Michele, with details to be shared by the family at a later date. In a statement, Jake and Romy expressed their gratitude for the outpouring of support they have received during this incredibly difficult time.
“Words cannot even begin to describe the unimaginable pain we are experiencing,” they shared, describing their parents not only as parents, but as their best friends. They implored the public for respect and privacy, asking that their parents be remembered for the love and joy they brought into the world.
Rob and Michele Reiner have been cremated, and their remains released to their loved ones for a small, private funeral service, bringing a final, somber chapter to a story of love, loss, and a legacy that will endure.
