YouTube star Mikayla Raines dies at 29 as husband points to relentless online harassment - here's how she died

YouTube star Mikayla Raines dies by suicide at 29 after facing online abuse, confirms husband- YouTube star Mikayla Raines, founder of the popular SaveAFox Rescue, has tragically died by suicide at just 29 years old. Her husband, Ethan Raines, confirmed her death in an emotional video posted Monday on Mikayla’s YouTube channel. The video, raw and heart-wrenching, shared how years of battling mental health challenges and harsh online criticism became too much for the young animal advocate to bear.

Mikayla built a massive digital presence by rescuing foxes from fur farms and giving them new lives. Her nonprofit, SaveAFox, based in Lakeville, Minnesota, has saved over 150 foxes since its founding in 2017. She was admired by millions online, yet the same internet that celebrated her also became a source of pain. Mikayla’s sudden death has shocked the animal rescue community and reignited conversations around online bullying, mental health, and social media’s dark side.

What led to Mikayla Raines’ suicide, and what did her husband say?

In a tearful message shared publicly, Ethan Raines explained that Mikayla had long struggled with mental health issues. The tipping point, he said, came from relentless online abuse. “She couldn’t bear what she was feeling any longer, and she ended her life,” Ethan said in the video. His voice shaking, he called out the people who had contributed to her pain.

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“To those of you that pushed her to this… I wish you had to feel what she felt,” he added. He also revealed that he attempted CPR on Mikayla for 15 minutes before emergency help arrived. Unfortunately, it was too late.

How did Mikayla Raines build her animal rescue movement?

At just 20 years old, Mikayla founded SaveAFox Rescue in 2017. The nonprofit is devoted to rescuing foxes from fur farms and placing them in permanent, loving homes. Located in Lakeville, Minnesota, the organization has helped over 150 foxes to date.

Through candid videos, educational posts, and emotional animal stories, Mikayla attracted over 2.4 million subscribers on YouTube and a wide following on platforms like TikTok and Instagram. Her foxes — many of them with disabilities or severe trauma — became stars in their own right. But behind the scenes, Mikayla dealt with mental health battles intensified by internet trolling and personal attacks.

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How did online abuse affect Mikayla’s mental health?

Mikayla's husband emphasized that the constant wave of negative comments and online bullying severely impacted her mental well-being. While she continued to post uplifting content for her followers, Ethan said that the personal toll was growing behind the scenes. “It breaks my heart that someone who is selfless and devoted her life to animals could have so much negativity pointed at her,” he shared.

Sadly, Mikayla’s case adds to the growing list of creators and public figures harmed by online harassment. Her story is now part of a larger call for greater responsibility in digital spaces — from both platforms and users.

What happens next for SaveAFox and Mikayla’s mission?

Despite his grief, Ethan Raines promised that Mikayla’s mission won’t be abandoned. “As long as you guys will continue to support all of us here at SaveAFox, we will keep pushing forward,” he said in the video. He intends to continue the work Mikayla started and make sure her legacy lives on through every fox saved.

Her daughter Freya, who frequently appeared in her content, will now grow up with the memories of a mother who gave everything to save animals and raise awareness — even when the world wasn’t always kind to her.

What mental health resources are available for those struggling?

Ethan used the platform Mikayla built to share an important message for those dealing with depression, anxiety, or suicidal thoughts. He encouraged anyone feeling “lost or hopeless” to reach out — to friends, family, or professionals.

Why Mikayla Raines’ death must spark action

Mikayla Raines’ death is a heartbreaking reminder of the cost of unchecked online cruelty and the importance of supporting mental health — not just for celebrities or influencers, but for everyone. She saved lives, raised awareness, and gave voice to creatures without one.

Now, it’s on her followers, supporters, and the wider public to carry that legacy forward, speak up against hate, and create space for empathy — online and off.

FAQs:

Q: What happened to YouTube star Mikayla Raines?
A: Mikayla Raines died by suicide at age 29 after struggling with mental health and online abuse.

Q: What is SaveAFox Rescue and who started it?
A: SaveAFox Rescue is a nonprofit started by Mikayla Raines to save foxes from fur farms.