Mintier joined CNN in 1980, and his career highlights included unique live coverage of the space shuttle Challenger disaster on 28 January 1986. Stunned, he described everybody present "holding their breath" following the "huge fireball in the sky". It was some time before NASA confirmed that the spacecraft had in fact been completely destroyed following what was initially termed a "major malfunction". Mintier confirmed a "major catastrophe".
Funeral rites are being held from 19 to 21 September at Sala 1, Wat Lat Bua Khao, Saphan Sung, with further details to be announced.