Mikayla Raines, founder of Save a Fox Rescue, passed away in June 2025, a loss mourned by many. Her husband, Ethan, shared the devastating news in an emotional YouTube video, defending Mikayla’s memory and calling out those who targeted her with false accusations and online cruelty. He revealed that Mikayla had long battled depression and borderline personality disorder, and despite her strength and compassion, the pain became too much to bear.

Ethan explained that Mikayla’s deep sensitivity was both her gift and her burden. Years of harassment from critics, including some in the rescue community, left deep emotional scars. Still, she never stopped helping animals. In fact, her journey began at 15 when she met her first fox while volunteering, later founding a rescue that saved hundreds—many from fur farms.

After leaving college to focus on animal care full-time, Mikayla became a fierce advocate for foxes, even once rescuing 500 animals when given the chance to shut down a fur farm. Though space and resources were limited, she gave everything to the animals, often putting their needs before her own.

Her passing sparked an outpouring of grief, with supporters praising her legacy, her heart, and the impact she made in such a short life. Just days before, she appeared joyful in a video feeding a lemur, and in private, she lovingly taught her daughter how to respect wildlife. Mikayla’s legacy of compassion, education, and rescue lives on through the lives she saved and the people she inspired.