ONLINE BULLYING TAKES A DEVASTATING TOLL Mikayla Raines, a beloved YouTuber and animal rescuer, has died by suicide after years of online harassment.

Beloved Fox Rescue YouTuber Mikayla Raines Dies by Suicide After Enduring Online Bullying, Husband Confirms

The animal rescue community is mourning the tragic loss of Mikayla Raines, the passionate founder of SaveAFox Rescue, after her husband revealed she died by suicide following relentless online bullying.

In a deeply emotional video posted to the SaveAFox Rescue YouTube channel on Monday, June 23, Mikayla’s husband, Ethan, spoke candidly about the devastating circumstances that led to her death. Fighting back tears, he explained that Mikayla had been the target of “ridiculous claims and rumors” for years—many originating from rival animal sanctuaries and even people she once considered friends.

“Being the sensitive human that she was, Mikayla took it all to heart,” Ethan shared. He revealed that in the days leading up to her passing, the online harassment had escalated, with more “rude words, accusations, and name-calling” pouring in.

Ethan explained that Mikayla lived with autism, depression, and borderline personality disorder, the latter of which contributed to “emotional instability and impulsive behaviors.” The recent wave of criticism, he said, left her feeling as though “the entire world had turned against her.”

“She couldn’t bear what she was feeling any longer and she ended her life,” Ethan said, his voice heavy with grief. “It breaks my heart that someone so selfless, who devoted her life to animals, could be met with so much negativity.”

He directed a powerful message to those responsible for the harassment: “To those who pushed her to this, I wish you could have seen me find her. I wish you had to watch me perform CPR on her for 15 minutes, waiting for first responders. I wish you had to hear the screams and cries of her family. I wish you could see our tiny, heartbroken daughter Freya try to understand why she’ll never see her mommy again.”

Ethan urged everyone to remember that “words have real and terrible consequences,” and to think before speaking or posting online.

Despite the unimaginable loss, Ethan vowed to carry on Mikayla’s legacy. “I will not let Mikayla’s light be extinguished,” he promised. “I’m going to continue to rescue the remaining fur farm foxes, and after that, save as many animals as possible.”

Mikayla Raines founded SaveAFox Rescue in 2017, quickly building a devoted following of over 2 million subscribers on YouTube and more than 500,000 followers on Instagram. Her compassion and dedication inspired countless people to care about the lives of rescued foxes and other animals.

On Instagram, Ethan echoed his heartbreak: “We have suffered a loss that is unimaginable. Mikayla was truly the most amazing and inspiring individual I have ever known. Not having her here makes everything feel empty. I feel broken. But I will continue her dream, and I hope to have your support going forward so that we can do good in her name.”

The outpouring of grief and support from fans and fellow rescuers is a testament to Mikayla’s impact. As her husband and the SaveAFox community move forward, they hope her story will inspire kindness and compassion—and remind everyone of the very real consequences of online cruelty.