Tragedy Strikes Animal Rescue World: Popular YouTuber Mikayla Raines Dies by Suicide at 29
The global animal rescue community is in mourning following the tragic death of Mikayla Raines, the beloved founder of Save A Fox Rescue and a popular YouTuber. Raines, 29, died by suicide on Monday, June 23, 2025, her husband, Ethan Frankamp, heartbreakingly confirmed in an emotional video shared on the Save A Fox Rescue Facebook page.
Raines was renowned for her extraordinary dedication to rescuing and rehabilitating foxes and other exotic animals, many saved from fur farms. Her YouTube channel, "SaveAFox," captivated millions of subscribers with heartwarming videos showcasing her compassionate work and the unique personalities of her rescued animals. Her content brought joy and critical awareness about animal welfare to a vast international audience.
Frankamp emphasized that Mikayla's profound passion for animals was lifelong and selfless. "She never sought fame, money, or personal gain," he stated, highlighting her singular focus on the well-being of every creature she encountered.
Hidden Struggles and the Scourge of Online Harassment
In his candid video, Ethan Frankamp shed light on Mikayla's private battles, revealing she struggled with significant mental health conditions, including autism, depression, and borderline personality disorder. Despite seeking therapy and medication, he explained that "simple tasks were hard for her" and she "couldn't bear what she was feeling any longer."
A critical factor contributing to her suffering, Frankamp revealed, was the relentless online bullying and harassment Mikayla faced. This negativity, he tragically noted, came not only from strangers but also from individuals she considered "close friends" and even within the animal rescue community itself. These "false claims and rumors," he said, had a devastating impact, making her feel as though "the entire world had turned against her."
A Call for Empathy and a Lasting Legacy
Mikayla Raines' untimely death has sent shockwaves, igniting a crucial conversation about the destructive power of cyberbullying and the paramount importance of mental health support, especially for those in the public eye or engaged in emotionally taxing work.
Ethan Frankamp has pledged to continue Mikayla's vital mission at Save A Fox Rescue, appealing to their community for ongoing support. He also used his platform to issue a poignant plea to anyone feeling "lost and hopeless" to seek help from friends, family, or crisis hotlines.
Her passing represents an immeasurable loss to the animal rescue world and to the countless individuals globally who were inspired by her unwavering kindness and devotion.
I'm Aisha shehu
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