YouTube star Mikayla Raines, 29, dies by suicide after online bullying campaign
Youtube star Mikayla Raines has died by suicide at the age of 29.
Her husband, Ethan, confirmed Monday that Mikayla took her own life after a 'targeted online bullying campaign.'
In an 11-minute video, Ethan claimed that the harassment came from a variety of sources, including strangers, other members of the wildlife rescue community, and even people Mikayla knew well.
Ethan said of the alleged abuse: 'They spread false rumors, and being the sensitive person she was, it deeply affected her.
'She tried for years to push through the pain, but this time it was too much.'
A devoted wildlife rescuer with over 500,000 Instagram followers, Mikayla founded the Minnesota-based nonprofit Save A Fox to rescue and rehabilitate foxes and other exotic animals.
The organization, which now operates in both Minnesota and Florida, has attracted a massive following online, with its YouTube channel boasting more than 2.4million subscribers.
Mikayla's passion for animals began early: at just 15, she started volunteering with a wildlife rehabilitator, laying the foundation for the mission that would define her life.
She founded her organisation, Save A Fox, in 2016 when she was just 20 years old.
Ethan continued in the video, saying how some of the 'rude words, accusations and name-calling came from some of those she considered close friends.'
Ethan also shared that Mikayla had been suffering from severe mental health challenges, including depression, autism, and borderline personality disorder – challenges with symptoms that were exacerbated by the bullying.
He continued: 'As many of you know she was on the autism spectrum and while that made her life very difficult it allowed her to hyperfocus on one thing and that one thing was obviously animals. More Trending
'From a young age she dedicated every waking hour of her life to helping them, whether it was helping a snapping turtle cross the road or saving 500 foxes from a terrible fur farm.'
He added: 'She was never in it for fame money or personal gain. She was truly one of the most selfless people I have ever known.'
He made his grief about his wife's passing clear, saying 'I feel broken.'
He added: 'Mikayla was truly the most amazing and inspiring individual I have ever known, and not having her here makes everything feel empty.'
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