29-year-old Mikayla Raines touched the hearts of many through her online content and tireless efforts running a fox sanctuary she started in Minnesota in 2017 for animals in need of care and safety.
In a deeply emotional video, her husband Ethan revealed that Mikayla, the founder of Save A Fox Rescue, had taken her own life. He claimed the decision came after she endured years of online attacks and “ridiculous claims and rumors” spread across social media platforms.
With a heavy heart, Ethan opened up about the pain she was experiencing and the toll it took on her mental well-being: “Being the sensitive human that she was, Mikayla took it all to heart.”
Mikayla, who was autistic, also battled depression and borderline personality disorder. These conditions often led to emotional ups and downs, as well as sudden, impulsive reactions to what she was going through.
“As many of you know she was on the autism spectrum and while that made her life very difficult it allowed her to hyperfocus on one thing, and that one thing was obviously animals.” Ethan continued in his message.
“From a young age she dedicated every waking hour of her life to helping them, whether it was helping a snapping turtle cross the road or saving 500 foxes from a terrible fur farm.”
“She couldn’t bear what she was feeling any longer and she ended her life.” Ethan shared. “It breaks my heart that someone who is selfless and devoted her life to animals could have so much negativity pointed at her.”
As for the pain her family is now carrying, Ethan expressed that he wishes those who had left those awful comments could witness the heartbreaking way their daughter reacted when she learned her mom had passed.
Looking ahead, Ethan says he plans to keep Mikayla’s mission alive. He assured her supporters that her legacy and the light she brought into the world will not be lost.
He closed his emotional video with a message that captured the depth of his love and sorrow: “I love you, Mikayla. I will always love you so much and I miss you.”
If the need is urgent and someone is in crisis right now, call the National Suicide Prevention Helpline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). This free and private hotline is open to everyone, and it’s available 24/7 every day of the week.