A Wildlife Warrior Gone Too Soon
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Who was Mikayla Raines? / Mikayla Raines suicide
Mikayla Raines, the passionate founder of Save A Fox Rescue and beloved YouTube personality, tragically passed away on June 23, 2025, at just 32 years old. With her YouTube channel amassing over 500,000 dedicated subscribers and an estimated net worth of $500,000, Mikayla had built an impressive platform dedicated to wildlife rescue and education.
“My name is Mikayla Raines and I am the founder of SaveAFox Rescue,” she wrote on her organization’s website. “I have always loved all animal species but I found my love for foxes at the age of 15.” This early passion would blossom into a remarkable life’s work that touched countless lives – both human and animal.
The Rise of Save A Fox
Mikayla’s journey with fox rescue began in her teenage years and evolved into a full-fledged mission. Through her Minnesota-based sanctuary, she:
- Rescued over 300 foxes from fur farms, abusive situations, and unprepared pet owners
- Created educational content showing foxes’ true nature, countering common misconceptions
- Built a YouTube following of half a million subscribers who adored her rescue stories
- Developed merchandise lines to fund her rescue operations
- Became a respected voice in exotic animal welfare circles
Her husband Ethan Raines described her as “someone who could do anything if they had fixed their minds to it,” particularly noting how her autism allowed her to hyper-focus on her animal rescue mission.
The Tragic Final Chapter
Despite her outward success, Mikayla battled severe mental health challenges including:
- Autism spectrum disorder
- Borderline personality disorder
- Chronic depression
In a heartbreaking 11-minute Instagram video, Ethan revealed the unbearable pain that led to Mikayla’s suicide. “Simple tasks were hard for her,” he shared through tears. “Looking at her from the outside, you could never tell what was going on in her head, but even just socializing would send her over the edge.”
Recent online harassment proved particularly damaging. “Most recently, several meaningless rumors and hate pushed her to the edge,” Ethan disclosed, adding poignantly: “It breaks my heart that someone who was selfless and devoted her life to animals could have so much negativity pointed at her.”
Remembering Mikayla Raines: A Tragic Loss and a Call for Compassion
The YouTube community and animal welfare advocates are mourning the tragic loss of Mikayla Raines, the beloved founder of ‘Save A Fox’ and a prominent figure in the online world. Mikayla’s untimely death by suicide has left her family, friends, and followers heartbroken, prompting a deeper conversation about mental health, the pressures of social media, and the importance of compassion.
A Life Dedicated to Animals
Mikayla Raines was not just a YouTuber; she was a passionate advocate for wildlife, particularly foxes. Through her sanctuary, ‘Save A Fox’, she dedicated her life to rescuing and rehabilitating these beautiful creatures, providing them with a safe haven. Her work inspired countless individuals, showcasing the importance of animal welfare and the need for compassion towards all living beings.
The Heartbreaking News
On June 23, 2025, Mikayla’s husband, Ethan Raines, shared the devastating news of her passing through an emotional video on social media. In the video, Ethan was visibly distraught, expressing his profound grief and the emptiness he felt without his wife. He described Mikayla as “one of the most amazing and inspiring individuals” he had ever known, emphasizing her dedication to her work and her love for their family, including their daughter, Freya.
Ethan’s heartfelt message resonated with many, as he vowed to continue Mikayla’s legacy and the important work she had started. He wrote, “We have suffered a loss that is unimaginable… I feel broken. But I will continue her dream, and I hope to have your support going forward so that we can do good in her name.”
The Struggles Behind the Smile
In his 11-minute video, Ethan opened up about Mikayla’s struggles with mental health, revealing that she battled severe issues, including autism, borderline personality disorder, and depression. He explained how these challenges affected her daily life, making even simple tasks feel overwhelming. Despite her incredible strength and determination, Mikayla often found herself overwhelmed by negativity and criticism, particularly from online sources.
Ethan shared that Mikayla had sought various therapies and medications in her quest for relief, but unfortunately, nothing seemed to alleviate her pain. He poignantly noted, “Looking at her from the outside, you could never tell what was going on in her head, but even just socializing would send her over the edge.” This insight highlights the often invisible nature of mental health struggles, reminding us that those who appear strong on the outside may be fighting battles we cannot see.
The Impact of Negativity
Ethan revealed that recent rumors and online hate had taken a toll on Mikayla, pushing her to a breaking point. He expressed his heartbreak over the fact that someone so selfless and devoted to helping others could be subjected to such cruelty. “But this time, it went too far. She couldn’t bear what she was feeling any longer, and she ended her life,” he said, a statement that echoes the urgent need for kindness and understanding in our interactions, both online and offline.
A Call for Compassion
Mikayla Raines’ story serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of mental health awareness and the need for compassion in our communities. As we reflect on her life and the impact she made, it is crucial to recognize the struggles that many individuals face, often hidden beneath the surface.
In the wake of this tragedy, we must strive to create a more supportive environment for those battling mental health issues. This includes fostering open conversations about mental health, offering support to those in need, and promoting kindness in our interactions, especially on social media platforms.
A Legacy That Lives On
Mikayla leaves behind:
- Her devoted husband Ethan Raines
- Their young daughter Freya
- Save A Fox Rescue, which continues operations
- Hundreds of animals whose lives she transformed
- An indelible mark on wildlife conservation
Ethan has vowed to honor his wife’s memory by sustaining her vision. “I will continue her dream,” he pledged, asking for community support to “do good in her name.”
A Call for Compassion
Mikayla’s tragic passing underscores several critical issues:
- The invisible nature of mental health struggles
- The devastating impact of online harassment
- The need for greater support systems for neurodivergent individuals
- The importance of kindness in all our interactions
Let Mikayla’s story inspire us to:
- Check in on our strong friends who may be struggling silently
- Think before commenting online
- Support mental health initiatives
- Continue her mission of animal welfare
If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, please reach out to a mental health professional or contact the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988.
As we remember Mikayla Raines, let us honor her legacy by continuing the work she was so passionate about and advocating for the well-being of all individuals, both human and animal. Our thoughts and prayers are with Ethan, Freya, and all who loved Mikayla during this incredibly difficult time. May her story inspire us to be more compassionate and understanding, ensuring that no one feels alone in their struggles.
Mikayla’s light may have gone out too soon, but through the animals she saved and the hearts she touched, her spirit lives on. May we honor her memory by being kinder to one another and to all creatures great and small.
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