Mikayla Raines, the compassionate founder of Save A Fox and a beloved YouTube creator, has tragically died by suicide following prolonged online harassment. Her husband, Ethan Raines, confirmed the heartbreaking news through a video on Save A Fox’s social media accounts. Mikayla, who devoted her life to rescuing captive-born foxes and other exotic animals, struggled with autism, depression and borderline personality disorder. Despite undergoing various therapies and medications, she faced intense emotional challenges that were worsened by personal attacks and rumours from people she once trusted. Her death has left an irreplaceable void in the rescue and animal advocacy community and has sparked a conversation about mental health and online cruelty.
Mikayla Raines: A life dedicated to saving animals
Mikayla Raines founded Save A Fox Rescue in 2017. The Minnesota-based non-profit is dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating captive-born foxes and exotic animals from fur farms and unfit homes. Her journey began early in life. Raised by a wildlife rehabilitator mother, she bottle-fed her first fox at 15. By 18, she had trained as a wildlife rehabilitator and studied veterinary science. However, she eventually shifted her focus to domestic foxes. She created Save A Fox as a sanctuary and adoption center for animals that couldn’t survive in the wild. Since its inception, the organization has saved over 150 foxes, with Mikayla personally involved in every step of their care and socialisation.
Behind the camera: personal struggles and online abuse
In an emotional tribute, Ethan Raines revealed that Mikayla faced lifelong challenges with mental health, including autism spectrum disorder and borderline personality disorder. He explained that she tried multiple therapies and mood stabilisers, but simple tasks often overwhelmed her. The emotional toll became unmanageable when Mikayla was targeted by an online harassment campaign. According to Ethan, the abuse came not only from strangers but also from individuals within her personal life and even other animal sanctuaries. False claims and rumours deeply affected her. Over time, even close friends began turning against her, which led to a crushing sense of isolation.
A tragic end and a promise to continue her legacy
Despite her struggles, Mikayla never stopped caring for animals. She continued her mission even in the darkest times. Ethan shared that he performed CPR in a desperate attempt to save her before emergency responders arrived. In his grief, he made a public commitment to continue the work Mikayla began. He plans to keep Save A Fox operational, rescuing fur-farm foxes and giving them the life Mikayla envisioned. For now, the family has asked for privacy. They plan to open the sanctuary grounds in the future for those wishing to honour Mikayla’s memory.
Tributes pour in from fans and animal welfare groups
Following the announcement, thousands of fans, fellow rescuers and animal lovers shared their sorrow across social media. Many described Mikayla as a beacon of hope and a true hero for animals. The wildlife sanctuary Juniper Wildlife Refuge posted, “So many in our community have foxes that only came to us because of Mikayla’s dedication.” Others have called attention to the toxic online culture that contributed to her pain. The subreddit where much of the harassment allegedly occurred has since gone private. Supporters have urged the public to donate to Save A Fox and carry forward Mikayla’s vision.
Remembering a gentle soul
Mikayla Raines is survived by her husband Ethan, their daughter Freya, and the countless animals she helped rescue and rehome. Her social media remains a testament to the joy and healing she brought to creatures often forgotten. Though her life was tragically cut short, her legacy lives on in every fox, jackal and pine marten she gave a second chance. Ethan’s final words in his video sum up the shared grief of a community: “Mikayla was truly the most amazing and inspiring individual I have ever known… I feel broken. But I will continue her dream.”
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