Mikayla Raines, a beloved YouTuber and the founder of the U.S.-based animal rescue organization Save A Fox, has died at the age of 29.
Known for her tireless devotion to rescuing and rehabilitating animals, Raines was widely admired for her selflessness and described by many as a “superhero” for her unwavering commitment to creatures in need.
Tragically, her husband Ethan confirmed that Mikayla died by suicide following years of online harassment and emotional suffering. In a heartbreaking video posted to her Instagram, Ethan shared the deep pain his wife endured from constant attacks—some from strangers, others from fellow animal sanctuaries, and even individuals she once considered friends.
“Being the sensitive soul that she was, Mikayla took it all to heart,” he said tearfully. “And it hurt her; it hurt her a lot.”
Mikayla first began working with animals as a teenager, volunteering with a wildlife rehabilitator before launching Save A Fox in 2016 at just 20 years old. Based in Minnesota, the nonprofit has since grown into one of the most recognized fox rescue organizations in the world.
Her work earned her a devoted online following: more than 560,000 Instagram followers, 3 million TikTok fans, and over 2.4 million YouTube subscribers. But despite her online success, Mikayla often put her own needs aside—skipping sleep, meals, or even showers—when an animal needed help, her husband recalled.
“She would do anything to save them—foxes, birds, reptiles, sheep, squirrels—you name it,” Ethan said. “Mikayla was the brightest example of what someone can achieve when they put their heart into something.”
The couple shared a young daughter, Freya. Ethan described Mikayla as a “wonderful wife” and a “caring mother” whose death has left their daughter devastated. “The first thing Freya wanted every morning was her mommy,” he said, choking back tears.
Ethan also spoke candidly about the intense emotional toll Mikayla faced. She lived with autism, depression, borderline personality disorder, and other mental health challenges—conditions that gave her deep empathy but also left her vulnerable to criticism and cruelty.
“She felt like the whole world had turned against her,” Ethan said. “Her sensitivity made her an incredible caregiver—but it also meant she absorbed every hurtful word.”
After finding Mikayla unresponsive, Ethan attempted CPR for 15 minutes. “Half of me is gone,” he said. “And Freya is heartbroken.”
The announcement of Mikayla’s death has prompted an outpouring of grief and love across social media. In the caption accompanying the Instagram video, Ethan wrote:
“Mikayla was truly the most amazing and inspiring individual I have ever known. Not having her here makes everything feel empty. I feel broken. But I will continue her dream and I hope to have your support going forward so we can do good in her name.”
Fellow animal sanctuaries and fans around the world are paying tribute to Mikayla’s legacy. One sanctuary wrote, “This is so tragic. So many foxes in our care are here because of Mikayla’s dedication. We will carry a small part of her light with us.”
Another tribute described her death as a “cataclysmic loss.” A third commenter added, “She loved [foxes] so deeply, it was as if she could speak their language.”
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