Mikayla Raines, a renowned fox rescue activist and YouTube personality, tragically ended her life at 29, overwhelmed by online harassment.
Her husband, Ethan, shared the heartbreaking news in an Instagram video on June 23, revealing that Mikayla passed away days earlier. “The pain was too much for her to bear,” Ethan said, calling her loss “the greatest tragedy of my life.”
Mikayla, who founded Save A Fox in 2017, turned it into the largest fox rescue nonprofit in the US.
She struggled with depression, borderline personality disorder, and autism, yet poured her heart into saving animals.
Ethan wrote, “Mikayla was the most inspiring person I’ve ever known. Her absence leaves an unbearable void. I’m shattered.”
In his video, Ethan explained that he attempted CPR on Mikayla, the Save A Fox founder, for 15 minutes until paramedics arrived, but she could not be revived. He vowed to carry on her mission, saying, “I’ll keep her dream alive and hope for your support to honor her name.”
Ethan revealed that Mikayla faced relentless online bullying, including false rumors from supposed friends and other animal sanctuaries. “The cruel words and accusations deeply wounded her sensitive soul,” he told followers. “She fought the pain for years, but this time it overwhelmed her.”
Mikayla, who was on the autism spectrum, channeled her challenges into an extraordinary dedication to animals.
“Her autism made life hard, but it gave her unmatched focus on helping creatures, from aiding turtles to rescuing 500 foxes from a fur farm,” Ethan shared. “She never sought fame or wealth—only to help.”
The online harassment campaign, he said, left her feeling the world had turned against her. “Her selflessness deserved better than such cruelty,” he added.
Ethan emphasized Mikayla’s empathy, noting it was both her strength and vulnerability. “Her sensitivity fueled her care for animals but made negativity hit harder,” he said.
He urged others to seek help if feeling hopeless and to watch for warning signs in loved ones. Mikayla began her journey at 15 as a wildlife rehabilitator volunteer, later establishing Save A Fox in Florida and Minnesota.
Her TikTok and YouTube channels, showcasing her rescue work, amassed nearly 6 million followers. She leaves behind her daughter, Freya, who Ethan says is devastated.
If you or someone you know is struggling, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or text “STRENGTH” to 741-741. “Kindness matters—some are more fragile than they appear,” a reader commented.