The tragic death of Mikayla Raines, founder of Save A Fox Rescue and beloved YouTube personality, has left millions of animal lovers and internet users in shock. As her husband, Ethan Raines, confirmed, Mikayla took her own life after battling mental health struggles and enduring what has been described as an online bullying campaign. Her passing has ignited conversations about mental health, online harassment, and the vulnerability of public figures, especially those in the animal rescue community.
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Who was Mikayla Raines?
Mikayla Raines, 29, was a passionate animal rights activist who dedicated her life to saving foxes from fur farms. In 2017, at the age of 20, she founded SaveAFox Rescue, a Minnesota-based non-profit organization committed to rescuing foxes and other exotic animals, providing them with safe, loving homes.
Over the years, Mikayla’s infectious love for animals and her educational content earned her an immense following. Her YouTube channel, where she shared playful and heartfelt moments with foxes, lemurs, and other creatures, amassed more than 2.4 million subscribers. Her Instagram was equally popular, with frequent posts showcasing her daily life surrounded by the animals she adored.
But behind the smiles and viral videos, Mikayla faced personal battles that many never saw.
What did Mikayla’s husband reveal about her struggles?
On June 22, 2025, Ethan Raines, Mikayla’s husband, posted an emotional video on her Instagram account, revealing that Mikayla had died by suicide “a couple of days ago.” His words painted a heartbreaking picture of her final moments.
“She couldn’t bear what she was feeling any longer,” Ethan said, his voice trembling with grief. He shared that he attempted CPR for 15 minutes before paramedics arrived, but their efforts were in vain. Their young daughter, Freya, was left devastated by the loss of her mother.
Ethan also disclosed that Mikayla had been diagnosed as being on the autism spectrum. While this allowed her to hyperfocus and excel in her passion for animals, it also made her highly sensitive to negative emotions and criticism.
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Was Mikayla Raines a victim of online bullying?
According to Ethan, in recent years Mikayla became the target of a sustained online bullying campaign. What made this situation even more painful was that some of the harassment came from individuals within her own professional circle — people from other animal sanctuaries and even former friends.
“It hurt her a lot,” Ethan admitted, explaining that while Mikayla initially tried to push through the negativity, things deteriorated when people she once trusted joined in on the criticism. The attacks weren’t just random online hate; they were calculated, personal, and came from people she knew.
Her sensitivity, a trait that made her such an empathetic caregiver to rescued animals, also meant that she internalized these negative experiences deeply.
What legacy does Mikayla leave behind with SaveAFox Rescue?
Despite her tragic passing, Mikayla’s work with Save A Fox Rescue remains a beacon of hope for animal lovers worldwide. Since its founding, the non-profit has rescued over 150 foxes, giving them a chance to live freely, away from the cruelty of fur farms.
Her educational videos, often featuring adorable foxes like Dixie and Finnegan, inspired millions to learn about animal welfare and the challenges of keeping exotic animals. Mikayla advocated for responsible rescue practices and worked tirelessly to raise awareness about the exploitation of animals in the fur industry.
Ethan has vowed to continue Mikayla’s mission. “I will not let Mikayla’s light be extinguished,” he declared. “We will keep pushing forward. I’m confident we can bring more light to this world, and we’ll be doing it for Mikayla.”
What can be done to honor Mikayla’s memory?
Ethan encouraged those struggling with depression or hopelessness to seek help, reminding viewers that speaking up can make a life-saving difference. He also urged supporters to continue backing SaveAFox Rescue to ensure Mikayla’s vision lives on.
For those wishing to pay tribute, donating to SaveAFox, spreading awareness about mental health, and fostering a culture of compassion — both online and offline — are meaningful ways to honor Mikayla’s legacy.
As Ethan concluded, “Despite this being the biggest loss of my life… I won’t let her mission fall apart.”
