YouTube Star Mikayla Raines, Who Saved Hundreds of Foxes, Dies by Suicide Amid Online Harassment.
Mikayla Raines, the beloved animal rescuer who turned her passion for saving foxes into a viral YouTube sensation, has died by suicide at just 29 years old. Her heartbroken husband, Ethan Raines, shared the tragic news in an emotional video posted to her channel Monday.
“She couldn’t bear what she was feeling any longer, and she ended her life,” Ethan said, fighting back tears. “And it breaks my heart that someone selfless and devoted her life to animals could have so much negativity pointed at her.”
More: New Jersey Man Sues Tesla After Autopilot Fails and Family Dies
He didn’t hold back his anger toward the online critics he believes pushed her over the edge. “Every one of you that had been responsible for making her feel this way, I wish you had to feel what she felt,” he said. “I wish you had to feel what I feel.”
Mikayla founded SaveAFox Rescue in 2017 at just 20 years old, dedicating her life to rescuing foxes from fur farms and giving them safe, loving homes. Based in Lakeville, Minnesota, her nonprofit saved over 150 foxes and turned her into a social media star, with 2.4 million YouTube subscribers and a massive following across Instagram and TikTok.
Her videos—often featuring playful foxes, heartwarming rescues, and her young daughter, Freya—made her a hero in the animal rights community. But behind the scenes, Ethan revealed she battled severe mental health struggles, made worse by relentless online harassment.
Also Read: Iowa Man Killed in Horrific Crash Had Also Lost Mother in Drunk-Driving Wreck
Ethan shared that he performed CPR on Mikayla for 15 minutes before paramedics arrived, but it was too late. Now, he’s begging others in crisis to reach out for help—and for their loved ones to step in before it’s too late.
“Despite this being the biggest loss of my life and feeling like I have a literal hole in my chest,” he said, “I will not let Mikayla’s light be extinguished.”
He promised to continue her rescue work, urging supporters to stand by SaveAFox. “As long as you guys will continue to support all of us here at SaveAFox, we will keep pushing forward,” he said. “We’ll be doing it for Mikayla.”
If you or someone you know is struggling, call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. You’re not alone.