Mikayla Raines, a well-known YouTuber and founder of the animal welfare nonprofit SaveAFox Rescue, has died by suicide at the age of 29, according to a statement released by her husband, Ethan Raines.
Ethan shared the devastating news publicly, attributing her passing to a combination of mental health struggles and sustained online harassment.
“She couldn’t bear what she was feeling any longer, and she ended her life,” he said. “It breaks my heart that someone who is selfless and devoted her life to animals could have so much negativity pointed at her.”
Raines was a beloved figure in the online animal rescue community, recognized for her work with rescued foxes and other exotic animals. Her YouTube channel, which showcased daily life at the rescue, amassed more than 2.4 million subscribers, while her TikTok account had reached over 3 million followers.
She founded SaveAFox Rescue in 2017 at just 20 years old, transforming a personal passion into a full-time mission to rehabilitate and rehome rescued foxes—many of them saved from fur farms or neglect.
Mikayla’s death has sent shockwaves through the animal welfare and creator communities, where fans and fellow advocates have expressed grief and frustration over the role that cyberbullying may have played in her declining mental health.
“She was the light in so many lives—both human and animal,” one supporter wrote on social media. “This is a heartbreaking reminder of how damaging online cruelty can be.”
Mikayla Raines is survived by her husband and a young daughter. Her family has not yet announced public memorial plans but has asked for privacy during this time of mourning.
