Mikayla Raines, a popular YouTube wildlife rescuer and founder of the Minnesota-based non-profit organisation Save a Fox, has died by suicide at the age of 29. Her husband, Ethan, recently shared a video statement on YouTube, remembering her as a “superhero” who dedicated her life to helping animals in need.
Raines founded Save a Fox in 2017 and gained fame for documenting the lives of captive-born foxes under her care on social media. She achieved 2.4 million YouTube subscribers and over 500,000 Instagram followers, while using her online presence to raise funds for her cause.
Ethan praised Raines’s selflessness, stating that she was never in it for fame or personal gain. He also acknowledged the challenges she faced due to mental health conditions, including depression, autism, and borderline personality disorder.
Raines had been subjected to alleged “online bullying” from various sources, including strangers and members of her community. Despite this, Ethan pledged to continue running the Save a Fox rescue centre and work towards Raines’s goal of saving 500 foxes from a fur farm.
Raines is survived by her husband and their daughter, Freya. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health issues, help is available through organisations such as the Samaritans (116 123 in the UK) or the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline in the US.
Source: https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/mikayla-raines-death-youtube-save-a-fox-b2775814.html