MINNESOTA, USA — The animal rescue community is in mourning following the tragic death of Mikayla Raines, a beloved wildlife activist and founder of SaveAFox Rescue, who died by suicide. She was 29 years old.
Her husband, Ethan Raines, confirmed the heartbreaking news in an emotional video posted to Mikayla’s widely followed YouTube channel on Monday.
“She couldn’t bear what she was feeling any longer, and she ended her life,” Ethan said tearfully. “It breaks my heart that someone who was so selfless and devoted her life to animals could have so much negativity pointed at her.”
Raines, who created SaveAFox Rescue in 2017 at just 20 years old, was widely known for her commitment to rescuing and rehabilitating foxes from fur farms. Her nonprofit, based in Lakeville, Minnesota, has saved more than 150 foxes, according to the organization’s website.
The social media star amassed over 2.4 million followers on YouTube, where she documented life at the rescue and shared educational content about wildlife and fox care. Her daughter, Freya, also frequently appeared in her videos.
Ethan revealed that Mikayla had long battled mental health challenges and was deeply impacted by online criticism and cyberbullying.
“To those of you that pushed her to this,” he said, “I wish you had to feel what she felt. I wish you had to feel what I feel.”
Ethan said he performed CPR for 15 minutes before paramedics arrived but was unable to save her.
Despite the devastating loss, he vowed to continue Mikayla’s mission.
“I will not let Mikayla’s light be extinguished. I won’t let negativity win. I won’t let her mission fall apart,” he said. “As long as you support us at SaveAFox, we will keep pushing forward — for Mikayla.”
He also urged anyone struggling with suicidal thoughts to seek help and reminded families and friends to check in on their loved ones.
Raines leaves behind her husband, her young daughter Freya, and a legacy of compassion and advocacy for voiceless animals.
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