Those who walk upon this sacred Earth as angels often leave us young, one such beautiful person being Mikayla Raines, the founder of SaveAFox Rescue. It is with a heavy heart and utter shock that I learned of the death of the 29-year-old fox rescue activist. As one of her followers on Instagram, she often bought tremendous joy with her heartfelt posts of the beautiful animals, especially the one with personality like Finnegan Fox.
On Monday 23rdth June 2025, Ethan Raines announced on social media, the death of Mikayla. She had taken her own life, unable to bear the negativity directed at her. Ethan revealed that Mikayla suffered mental health issues and was just unable to cope with the online criticism directed at her.
From Teenage Volunteer to Fox Rescue Visionary
Her journey began at just 15, when Mikayla first bottle-fed a fox kit while volunteering for a wildlife rehabilitator. Entranced by these creatures, she founded the now‑renowned Save A Fox Rescue in 2017 at age 20. What started in Minnesota quickly blossomed into the largest captive‑fox rescue operation in the U.S., expanding to Florida and gaining over 2.4 million YouTube subscribers
A Rescue Fueled by Passion and Purpose
Save A Fox focused on rehabilitating captive-born foxes—often rejected by fur farms or surrendered by unprepared pet owners. Mikayla raised funds, managed vet visits, maintained licenses, and personally bottle-raised orphaned kits. She once skipped sleep and even meals to care for an animal in need
Her unwavering dedication transformed rescued foxes like Farrah Foxett into ambassadors for empathy and wildlife education.
The Toll of Sensitivity and Surveillance
Mikayla’s autism, depression and borderline personality disorder endowed her with extraordinary empathy—but also left her vulnerable to emotional attacks. Though she openly shared her mental health journey, the onslaught of online hate and relentless criticism proved crushing.
A Husband’s Plea and a Mission to Continue
In a deeply personal video, Ethan recounted performing CPR on Mikayla after finding her unresponsive
With tears, he blamed online harassment and false rumors for robbing the world—and their daughter Freya—of her light. In his post Ethan said:
“She couldn’t bear what she was feeling any longer, and she ended her life,” he said. “And it breaks my heart that someone who is selfless and devoted her life to animals could have so much negativity pointed at her.”
“And to those of you that pushed her to this, every one of you that had been responsible for making her feel this way, I wish you had to feel what she felt,” he added. “I wish you had to feel what I feel.”
“Despite this being the biggest loss of my life and feeling like I have a literal hole in my chest,” he said. “I will not let Mikayla’s light be extinguished, and I won’t let negativity win, and I won’t let her mission fall apart.”
He vows to carry on her mission: “As long as…you continue to support all of us here at SaveAFox, we will keep pushing forward to save as many lives as possible”
The Broader Impact: Mental Health & Digital Responsibility
Mikayla’s death underscores how public figures—especially those known for their kindness—are not immune to online cruelty. Her tragic end has ignited urgent calls for stronger protections against cyberbullying and greater mental health awareness
Save A Fox Rescue, now helmed by Ethan and their team, has saved over 150 foxes and has an ambitious goal of rescuing 500
Through virtual tours, sponsorships, and educational content, Mikayla’s love for wildlife lives on—illuminating the vulnerabilities of captive foxes and the beauty of second chances.
Mikayla Raines was more than a rescuer—she was a light in dark places. With gentle hands and an even gentler heart, she saved hundreds of foxes, educated millions, and embodied empathy in every gesture. Yet she battled battles unseen, and the digital world’s cruelty became unbearable.
She will be deeply missed by her family, her foxes, her followers, and anyone touched by her warmth. Her spirit lives on in every life she saved and every heart she inspired. Rest in peace, Mikayla—your compassion remains a guiding star.
If you or someone you know is in a crisis, call 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
Andrew Alpin from India is the Brand Manager of Doggo digest. Andrew is an experienced content specialist and social media manager with a passion for writing. His forte includes health and wellness, Travel, Animals, and Nature. A nature nomad, Andrew is obsessed with mountains and loves high-altitude trekking. He has been on several Himalayan treks in India including the Everest Base Camp in Nepal.
