Mikayla Raines, the renowned fox rescue influencer on YouTube best known for founding the SaveAFox Rescue center, died by suicide on June 21, 2025, in Minnesota. The 29‑year‑old wildlife rehabilitator built a passionate online community with more than 2.45 million YouTube subscribers and over 500,000 Instagram followers. In an emotional message released on June 23, her husband, Ethan (Frankamp or Raines), confirmed the tragic news, recounting how he performed CPR on her before first responders arrived. He shared that Mikayla struggled with autism, depression, and borderline personality disorder—conditions she had fought quietly while dedicating her life to rescuing animals.

Ethan revealed that over several years, his wife endured a relentless online harassment campaign. The bullying—often from unusual sources like her own circle and even other animal sanctuaries—deeply affected her sensitive nature, leading to severe emotional distress. He described how Mikayla felt like "the entire world had turned against her" and how the cruelty intensified just before her death. Mikayla launched SaveAFox in 2017 at age 20. What started as a small sanctuary in Lakeville, Minnesota, eventually became the largest fox rescue nonprofit in the U.S., with a second location in Faribault. Her work earned national recognition and millions of views, especially for viral videos featuring charismatic foxes like Finnegan and bonded pairs known as the "lesbian goth foxes".

Despite her public impact, her husband emphasized that she was never motivated by fame or profit—her mission was always animal welfare. Now left to carry on her work, Ethan shared a heart‑breaking image of himself continuing routine care: walking Finnegan, the rescue fox, hoping Mikayla would have been proud. Mikayla leaves behind her husband and their young daughter, Freya. Ethan urged anyone affected by cyberbullying or mental health struggles to seek support—sharing resources like the U.S. Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (988).

Her tragic passing is a sobering reminder of the heavy emotional toll that online creators may bear. The viral, heartfelt footage of her rescue efforts contrasts painfully with the cruelty she endured. As Ethan continues her mission through SaveAFox, the conversation around mental health, community kindness, and online responsibility endures.