Mikayla Raines, a well-known YouTuber and the founder of Save A Fox Rescue, passed away by suicide, leaving behind a stunned and grieving community. Her husband Ethan shared the heartbreaking news in a video posted online on June 23, 2025. Visibly emotional, he described Mikayla as a deeply empathetic soul whose sensitivity made her both an incredible caregiver and tragically vulnerable to the weight of cruelty and criticism. Despite battling depression and borderline personality disorder, Mikayla remained committed to her mission of rescuing foxes and educating the public about animal welfare.

Mikayla’s journey began when she met her first fox at 15 years old while volunteering at a wildlife rehab center. That experience changed her path forever. In 2015, she took in a captive-born red fox named Farrah Foxett, which became the catalyst for the rescue she would eventually build. Over the years, she saved hundreds of animals, especially foxes from fur farms. Even when she faced online harassment and professional jealousy, Mikayla pressed on, believing in the importance of her work. Tragically, the pressure became too much.

The response to Mikayla’s passing has been an overwhelming outpouring of love and sorrow. Messages flooded in from fans, fellow rescuers, and those who had been touched by her content and mission. Many praised her for doing more in her short life than most do in a lifetime—rescuing lives, educating the public, and showing deep compassion to both animals and humans alike. Her efforts, especially her landmark attempt to shut down a fur farm and rehome 500 foxes, left a lasting impression on the animal care world.

Behind the scenes, Mikayla was also a devoted mother to her daughter, Freya. She taught her to respect wildlife, to be gentle, and to understand that animals have their own boundaries. Even in her final days, she shared joyful moments—bringing home a lemur and smiling with her family. Mikayla’s legacy lives on through the animals she saved, the community she built, and the love she passed down to her daughter. Her story is a reminder of both the power and the fragility of those who give so much of themselves to help others.