YouTube Star and Animal Rescuer Mikayla Raines Dies at 29

The animal rescue community and millions of fans around the world are mourning the sudden and tragic loss of Mikayla Raines, the compassionate soul behind Save A Fox. At just 29 years old, Mikayla died by suicide—leaving behind a legacy defined by deep love for animals and tireless advocacy for those without a voice.

Her husband, Ethan Raines, confirmed the heartbreaking news in a tearful Instagram video posted on June 23. Struggling to find the words, he shared, “She was truly the most selfless person I’ve ever known. Not having her here makes everything feel empty.”

Mikayla’s story is one of fierce dedication. What began as a teenage passion blossomed into a full-scale rescue movement. At just 15, she began volunteering at a wildlife rehabilitation center in Minnesota, where she first developed her deep connection with foxes and other exotic animals. That connection would become her life’s purpose. In 2017, she founded Save A Fox, which has since grown into the largest domestic fox rescue in the United States. The organization’s mission: to rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome foxes, many of them saved from fur farms or surrendered exotic pet situations.

Her videos, often featuring adorable foxes playfully interacting with her or lounging in the sanctuary’s colorful enclosures, brought joy to millions. With over 2.4 million YouTube subscribers and hundreds of thousands of followers across Instagram and TikTok, Mikayla became more than just a content creator—she became a global ambassador for ethical animal rescue. Fans from all corners of the world looked to her for inspiration, education, and comfort.

But behind the heartwarming content was a woman quietly battling profound personal pain. Mikayla had been diagnosed with autism, borderline personality disorder, and depression, and had spent years seeking professional support and managing her mental health. Those closest to her knew the strength it took for her to show up online day after day, giving so much of herself to both animals and fans.

Her husband, Ethan, revealed that relentless online bullying, particularly from critics within the animal rescue world, had deeply affected her. “She took everything to heart,” he said. “Even when she was helping others, people were cruel. And it wore her down.”

Despite her personal challenges, Mikayla never stopped working. Just one day before her death, she appeared in a cheerful video with a lemur on her shoulder, smiling as she always did when surrounded by the animals she loved. It was a reminder of the joy she brought to so many lives—even when she was quietly suffering. Hours later, tragedy struck. Ethan attempted to revive her, but it was too late.

Mikayla leaves behind not only her grieving husband but also their young daughter, Freya, a sanctuary full of rescued animals, and a worldwide community of fans, animal lovers, and fellow advocates devastated by her loss.

Since the news broke, tributes have poured in across social media. Fans have shared messages of gratitude, photos of their own rescued pets, and donations to Save A Fox in her honor. Many described Mikayla as “a light in a dark world,” someone whose love for animals inspired them to adopt, volunteer, or simply be kinder.

In the midst of unimaginable grief, Ethan has vowed to continue Mikayla’s mission. “I will carry on her dream,” he said. “Her work will live on through every life she saved.”

Mental health advocates are also using this moment to highlight the pressures placed on public figures and the importance of compassionate dialogue online. Mikayla’s story serves as a sobering reminder of how devastating cyberbullying can be—and how vital it is to extend empathy, not just to those who ask for help, but to those who quietly carry heavy burdens.