Mikayla Raines, beloved founder of SaveAFox and popular YouTube star, tragically died by suicide at 29 after battling mental health struggles and enduring severe online harassment, leaving a profound void in the animal rescue community and among her millions of fans.

Mikayla Raines, the 29-year-old founder of the widely known SaveAFox Rescue and a beloved YouTube personality with over 2.4 million subscribers, tragically died by suicide on June 21, 2025.

The heartbreaking news was confirmed by her husband, Ethan Raines, in an emotional video shared on Instagram two days later, where he revealed the depth of Mikayla’s mental health struggles and the profound pain caused by relentless online bullying.

Ethan spoke candidly about the challenges Mikayla faced behind the scenes—diagnosed with autism, depression, and borderline personality disorder, she battled daily with overwhelming mental health issues.

He described how certain people, including some she once considered close friends, subjected her to vicious harassment that deeply wounded her emotionally.

Despite her unwavering passion for animal rescue and her desire to keep fighting, the emotional toll became too much to bear.

In his Instagram video, Ethan recalled the devastating moment he found Mikayla unresponsive and administered CPR for 15 minutes before emergency responders arrived, but tragically, she could not be saved.

His grief was palpable as he expressed the profound void left by her absence: “Not having her here makes everything feel empty. I feel broken,” he shared, emphasizing the personal devastation behind the public loss.

Mikayla’s story is one of fierce compassion and tireless dedication. She founded SaveAFox Rescue in 2017 in Minnesota with a mission to rescue and rehabilitate foxes and other wild animals who had suffered neglect, abuse, or were at risk due to habitat loss.

By 2019, SaveAFox had grown to become the largest fox rescue organization in the United States, a testament to Mikayla’s unwavering commitment and advocacy.

Through her YouTube channel, Mikayla documented rescue stories, educational content, and candid glimpses into the daily realities of animal rehabilitation, inspiring millions worldwide to care about wildlife conservation.

Her videos not only highlighted the adorable and heartwarming moments with rescued foxes, but also the immense responsibility and challenges that come with running a nonprofit animal rescue.

Mikayla’s transparency and authenticity forged a strong bond with her audience, many of whom considered her a source of comfort and inspiration.

On June 22, just one day after her passing, Mikayla’s final Instagram post went live—a lighthearted video featuring her playing with a lemur, reflecting her love for animals and her joyous spirit that so many admired.

The post now serves as a bittersweet reminder of the vibrant, caring person behind the screen.

Mikayla’s tragic death has ignited a vital conversation about the darker side of social media and influencer culture.

The intense scrutiny and pressure to maintain a public persona, combined with the cruelty of online harassment, can create a toxic environment, especially for young creators already battling mental health issues.

Experts emphasize that Mikayla’s story underscores the urgent need for stronger mental health support and anti-bullying measures tailored to influencers, many of whom face isolation despite their large followings.

In the days following her death, fans, fellow content creators, and animal welfare advocates flooded social media with heartfelt tributes.

They praised Mikayla’s courage, passion, and the positive impact she made in both the online and real worlds. Many urged followers to check on loved ones and raise awareness about the importance of mental health care.

Ethan has vowed to honor Mikayla’s legacy by continuing the work she started. He shared his determination to keep SaveAFox Rescue thriving and to protect the mission Mikayla held dear.

“I will not let Mikayla’s light be extinguished, and I won’t let negativity win, and I won’t let her mission fall apart,” he said, rallying supporters to join him in keeping her dream alive.

Mikayla Raines’s life and death are a powerful reminder of the complex realities behind the curated images and videos that dominate social media.

They reveal a young woman who touched countless lives through her kindness, creativity, and advocacy, even as she faced her own inner battles. Her story calls for empathy, awareness, and a collective effort to support mental wellness in the digital age.

If you or anyone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide or self-harm, resources are available.

In the United States, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline can be reached at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), and the Crisis Text Line is available by texting “STRENGTH” to 741-741. No one has to face their struggles alone.