Save a Fox Founder Mikayla Raines Dies by Suicide After Online Harassment

The animal rescue world has been struck by a heartbreaking loss with the death of Mikayla Raines, founder of the beloved Save A Fox organization. Mikayla, 29, was not only a passionate advocate for animal rights and exotic animal rehabilitation but also a well-known content creator on YouTube, where she connected with millions of viewers through her videos featuring rescued foxes.

The news of her death by suicide has sent shockwaves through her community and left an immeasurable void for her supporters, friends, and rescued animals. Her husband, Ethan Raines, confirmed her passing in a moving video, highlighting the severe mental health struggles Mikayla faced throughout her life. The tragedy is compounded by the revelation that Mikayla endured online harassment and personal battles, which ultimately took a toll on her mental health.

The Life and Mission of Mikayla Raines

Mikayla Raines was born on March 5, 1996, and from an early age displayed a remarkable connection to animals. Her journey into wildlife rescue began at the age of 15, when she started volunteering with a local wildlife rehabilitator. This early exposure to the world of animal care would lay the foundation for what would later become her life’s mission.

With fierce determination, Mikayla went on to become a licensed wildlife rehabilitator herself, eventually founding the Minnesota-based nonprofit Save A Fox in 2016. Save A Fox quickly rose to prominence as the largest fox rescue organization in the United States.

The nonprofit specialized in rescuing foxes and other exotic animals from fur farms, pet surrender cases, and hoarding environments. Under Mikayla’s direction, the organization not only rehabilitated animals but also educated the public on the ethical concerns of fur farming and the challenges exotic animals face in captivity. She provided sanctuary to hundreds of animals, many of whom were given a second chance at life thanks to her tireless advocacy.

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What set Mikayla apart was her ability to combine education and rescue with storytelling. Her YouTube channel became a sanctuary in itself—one that offered viewers intimate glimpses into the lives of rescued animals. Through videos featuring fan favorites like Finnegan Fox and Dixie Do, Mikayla brought joy, laughter, and awareness to millions. Viewers didn’t just watch foxes play; they learned their stories, their quirks, their recoveries, and the profound bond they shared with Mikayla.

"She Couldn't Bear What She Was Feeling"

YouTube Star, Founder of Save a Fox Rescue, Mikayla Raines Takes Her Own Life at 29 #MikaylaRaines rescued foxes from fur farms. She had 2M YouTube subs. Brokenhearted husband Ethan says she had autism. Was a victim of online #bullying pic.twitter.com/9cqk8gCHSj

— The Last Show- Karen Lee (@thelastshow) June 25, 2025

Her authenticity and selflessness were central to her work. According to her husband, she was never in it for fame or personal gain. Every ounce of energy went into making life better for animals. She was known for stopping traffic to help a turtle cross the road and for driving across states to rescue a single fox. Her life was a shining example of dedication, compassion, and love in its purest form.

Struggles with Mental Health and the Dark Side of Fame

While Mikayla’s public persona radiated joy and devotion to animals, she was silently battling an ongoing war within. In a video released after her death, her husband revealed that Mikayla had been living with severe mental health challenges, including depression, autism spectrum disorder, and borderline personality disorder. Despite years of therapy and medication, the demands of daily life became increasingly difficult for her to bear.

Being in the public eye magnified the pressure. Social media, while providing a platform for her to share her passion, also opened her up to intense scrutiny and online harassment. As with many content creators, especially women, Mikayla experienced targeted attacks, negative comments, and psychological stress from online platforms. The effects of this relentless exposure and criticism are often invisible to fans but devastatingly real for those enduring them.

Mikayla’s autism, a condition often misunderstood and stigmatized, allowed her to hyperfocus on her passion for animals. This hyperfocus was one of her greatest strengths—it gave her the drive and discipline to build Save A Fox into what it became. However, it also came with unique emotional challenges, especially in a world that is not always accommodating of neurodiversity. According to Ethan, her sensitivity and empathy, which were part of what made her so exceptional, also left her deeply vulnerable to emotional pain.

Her struggle was not due to a lack of support. Mikayla worked extensively with mental health professionals and leaned on the support of those closest to her. But the complexities of her conditions, paired with the harshness of online vitriol, created a mental health crisis that proved insurmountable. Her husband’s heartfelt tribute reveals the depth of her suffering, as well as her unwavering determination to keep going for the sake of the animals she loved.

A Legacy That Will Live On Through Every Rescued Fox

Mikayla Raines may be gone, but the legacy she built with Save A Fox is indelible. She rescued over 500 foxes during her lifetime, each one a testament to her compassion and unwavering mission. Her sanctuary in Minnesota became a refuge not only for animals but also for people searching for meaning, connection, and healing through her work.

Her videos will remain a powerful archive of joy and resilience. Finnegan Fox’s laugh-like barks, Dixie Do’s playful antics, and the gentle moments between Mikayla and her rescues speak volumes about her character. These weren’t just videos—they were chapters in a story of hope, healing, and the quiet heroism of one woman who chose to dedicate her life to beings who could not speak for themselves.

The future of Save A Fox remains in the hands of her husband and the team Mikayla built. Ethan has expressed his intention to continue her work, to honor her dream, and to maintain the mission that gave her life meaning. In his words, “I will continue her dream, and I hope to have your support going forward so that we can do good in her name.” His grief-stricken message to the public emphasized not only his pain but also his desire to carry forward the flame she lit.

Her passing serves as a stark reminder of the hidden struggles many people endure, even those who seem to be living their dream. It highlights the need for better mental health awareness, especially within the online creator community, where the pressure to perform and the constant exposure to public opinion can have serious consequences. The pain of losing such a beautiful soul should be a call to all of us to treat others with more kindness and to recognize the importance of compassion—both for animals and for humans.

In the end, Mikayla Raines was more than a YouTuber or a nonprofit founder. She was a trailblazer, an empath, and a voice for the voiceless. She gave her life to animals who had nothing, and she created a world where they could be safe, loved, and understood. The grief surrounding her loss is immense, but so is the gratitude for the work she did and the lives she touched.

Her story, though tragically short, will continue to inspire animal lovers, activists, and mental health advocates for years to come. The foxes she saved, the fans she inspired, and the legacy she leaves behind are all part of a beautiful, if heartbreaking, legacy. Mikayla Raines will be remembered not for the way she died, but for the way she lived—with unrelenting compassion, fierce dedication, and a heart full of love for every creature she encountered.