YouTube Star and Animal Rescuer Mikayla Raines Dies at 29

Mikayla Raines, founder of the Save A Fox rescue and beloved YouTube star, has tragically died by suicide at the age of 29. Her husband, Ethan Raines, confirmed the news in an emotional Instagram video on June 23.

She was truly the most selfless person I’ve ever known,” Ethan said, heartbroken. “Not having her here makes everything feel empty.”

Mikayla dedicated her life to rescuing and rehabilitating exotic animals, especially foxes from fur farms. At 15, she began volunteering at a wildlife rehab center, and by 2017, she launched Save A Fox—now the largest fox rescue organization in the U.S.

With over 2.4 million YouTube subscribers and hundreds of thousands of followers across platforms, Mikayla became a beacon for animal lovers. But behind the viral videos was a woman silently struggling.
Diagnosed with autism, borderline personality disorder, and depression, Mikayla sought treatment for years. Still, relentless online harassment—often from others in the animal rescue world—took its toll. “She took everything to heart,” Ethan said, describing how the negativity deeply affected her.

Just a day before her death, Mikayla appeared smiling in a video with a lemur. Hours later, despite Ethan’s efforts to revive her, she was gone.

Mikayla leaves behind her husband, daughter Freya, and a heartbroken global community. Ethan vows to continue her work. “I will carry on her dream,” he said.

If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out. Call or text 988 or visit 988lifeline.org. Help is available.