Mikayla Raines, the visionary behind the esteemed animal rescue organization Save A Fox and a beloved figure in the YouTube community, passed away tragically by suicide, as confirmed by her devoted husband Ethan Raines in an excruciatingly poignant video posted to the Save A Fox YouTube channel on June 23, 2025. Mikayla, renowned for her unwavering commitment to rescuing and nurturing foxes and an array of exotic creatures, battled valiantly against formidable mental health challenges, encompassing depression, autism, and borderline personality disorder. Despite enduring years of therapeutic interventions and a plethora of medications, Ethan revealed that she faced daily struggles with the intricacies of life and emotional stability.
In his deeply emotional 11-minute address, Ethan unveiled a harrowing truth: Mikayla had been enduring an extended campaign of online harassment. This relentless abuse originated not only from anonymous strangers but also from individuals closely entwined in her personal life and even within the animal rescue circle. "They promulgated malicious rumors, and her sensitive spirit, though resilient, was profoundly scarred," Ethan lamented. "For years, she fought tooth and nail to overcome the anguish, but this final blow proved insurmountable."
Mikayla leaves behind a cherished legacy, including her husband Ethan, their daughter Freya, and the countless animals she tirelessly tended to at Save A Fox's sanctuaries in Minnesota and Florida. With steadfast determination, Ethan has pledged to uphold her vision and perpetuate the mission of the rescue.
The online community, filled with fans and fellow animal advocates, responded with a wave of disbelief and sorrow, paying heartfelt tributes to Mikayla's indelible impact on the rescue world.
