YouTube star Mikayla Raines dies by suicide after facing relentless online bullying

Mikayla Raines, a wildlife rescuer and beloved YouTube influencer known for saving exotic animals, has died by suicide following intense online bullying. Her husband Ethan confirmed the news.

Mikayla Raines spent her adult life dedicated to animals others ignored or mistreated. But when she herself needed compassion, she found cruelty instead. Raines, 29, the founder of the largest fox rescue operation in the United States, took her own life after battling relentless online harassment.

Her husband, Ethan Raines, announced her death in an Instagram video shared on Monday, June 23, describing his wife as profoundly selfless and deeply affected by criticism.

“She was truly the most selfless person I have ever known,” Ethan expressed. “Losing her makes everything feel empty—I feel broken.”

Creating a sanctuary for unwanted animals

From her teenage years, Mikayla was driven by a desire to save animals abandoned or abused, launching the Save A Fox rescue in 2017. Over time, it expanded into the nation’s largest fox rescue, with centers in Minnesota and Florida.

“She was never in it for fame, money, or personal gain,” Ethan noted. “She just wanted to help animals—from snapping turtles to hundreds of foxes freed from fur farms.”

Her passion resonated deeply, building her an enormous following online: over 2.4 million subscribers on YouTube and hundreds of thousands more across Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook. Yet beneath the cheerful, playful videos, Mikayla quietly struggled.

Hidden struggles magnified by online hate

According to Ethan, Mikayla faced significant mental health challenges, including autism, borderline personality disorder, and depression, seeking extensive treatment throughout her life. But it was the escalating online bullying that ultimately overwhelmed her.

The most painful aspect was that much of the harassment came from within the animal sanctuary community itself—people she once trusted as friends.

“They spread false rumors,” Ethan explained. “She took everything to heart. It deeply affected her.”

Just one day prior, Mikayla shared a lighthearted moment online, playfully interacting with animals. Nothing indicated the tragedy that would follow. Ethan revealed he performed CPR desperately, but she was gone.

“She felt as if the entire world had turned against her,” he said. “Someone who dedicated her life to animals shouldn’t have faced this.”

Determined to preserve her mission, Ethan has vowed to continue Save A Fox. “I will carry on her dream,” he affirmed. Mikayla leaves behind a grieving community and her young daughter, Freya, now navigating profound loss.

Animal rescue organizations nationwide have expressed sorrow, including the Juniper Wildlife Refuge, acknowledging Mikayla’s enormous impact.

“So many foxes are safe today because of Mikayla’s compassion,” the Refuge wrote. “Her light lives on through them.”

If you or someone you know is struggling, support is available. Call or text 988, visit 988lifeline.org, or text MHA to 741741 for immediate help.