
SaveAFox founder Mikayla Raines' husband keeps her promise after tragic death
Ethan Frankamp, husband of the late Mikayla Raines, founder of the widely-followed SaveAFox Rescue, has shared a touching moment as he honours her memory in the way she would've wanted most.
In a recent Instagram Story shared through the SaveAFox account, Frankamp posted a video of himself walking one of Raines' most beloved rescues, a fox named Finnegan. In the video, Frankamp reflects on how no matter the weather or workload, Mikayla never skipped Finnegan's walk. 'Even after a long, exhausting day, she made sure he got his time outside,' he says softly in the background. 'I didn't really feel up to it today, but I knew I couldn't let him down. I hope she's watching and that she's proud.'
Raines, who built a massive online following for her work rehabilitating foxes through her Minnesota-based nonprofit, passed away recently. Frankamp confirmed her death in an emotional YouTube video on June 23, explaining that his wife had died by suicide.
He revealed that Mikayla had long struggled with online harassment, which intensified in recent months. According to Frankamp, she was deeply affected by targeted negativity and personal attacks from people within and outside the animal rescue community. 'She took it to heart,' he said, explaining that the criticism, combined with her mental health challenges, including autism, depression, and borderline personality disorder became too much for her to bear.
'She felt like the world had turned against her,' he shared. The couple share a young daughter, Freya.
Though devastated, Frankamp is doing what he can to carry on Mikayla's legacy and honour her after her passing.

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Express Tribune
7 hours ago
- Express Tribune
SaveAFox founder Mikayla Raines' husband keeps her promise after tragic death
Ethan Frankamp, husband of the late Mikayla Raines, founder of the widely-followed SaveAFox Rescue, has shared a touching moment as he honours her memory in the way she would've wanted most. In a recent Instagram Story shared through the SaveAFox account, Frankamp posted a video of himself walking one of Raines' most beloved rescues, a fox named Finnegan. In the video, Frankamp reflects on how no matter the weather or workload, Mikayla never skipped Finnegan's walk. 'Even after a long, exhausting day, she made sure he got his time outside,' he says softly in the background. 'I didn't really feel up to it today, but I knew I couldn't let him down. I hope she's watching and that she's proud.' Raines, who built a massive online following for her work rehabilitating foxes through her Minnesota-based nonprofit, passed away recently. Frankamp confirmed her death in an emotional YouTube video on June 23, explaining that his wife had died by suicide. He revealed that Mikayla had long struggled with online harassment, which intensified in recent months. According to Frankamp, she was deeply affected by targeted negativity and personal attacks from people within and outside the animal rescue community. 'She took it to heart,' he said, explaining that the criticism, combined with her mental health challenges, including autism, depression, and borderline personality disorder became too much for her to bear. 'She felt like the world had turned against her,' he shared. The couple share a young daughter, Freya. Though devastated, Frankamp is doing what he can to carry on Mikayla's legacy and honour her after her passing.


Express Tribune
15 hours ago
- Express Tribune
Overwatch 2 fans mourn SaveAFox's Mikayla Raines after tragic death
The Overwatch 2 community is mourning the death of Mikayla Raines, the founder of SaveAFox Rescue, following confirmation that she died by suicide in June after experiencing prolonged online harassment. Raines' husband, Ethan Raines, shared the news in an emotional video posted to their YouTube channel, explaining how years of online bullying took a toll on her mental health. 'She pushed through for so long, but this time, it went too far,' he said. Mikayla Raines founded SaveAFox in 2017 at age 20. Based in Minnesota, the organization has rescued over 150 foxes from fur farms, giving them a second chance at life. Following her passing, Overwatch 2 fans rediscovered a 2024 Facebook post from SaveAFox, revealing that Blizzard Entertainment had recorded the vocalizations of Raines' foxes for the character Kiriko's fox spirit. 'Blizzard brought a sound crew and recorded our foxes overnight,' the post read. The team also made a charitable donation to the rescue. Mikayla Raines has passed away 🕊️ With a deep commitment to rescued foxes, Mikayla created @SaveAFox_rescue, where their sounds were used for Kiriko's spirit fox in Overwatch 2. Rest in peace, Mikayla 🖤 — Overwatch Cavalry (@OWCavalry) June 25, 2025 We lost a true hero, a beacon of hope, an inspiration, and a beloved person. She helped save thousands of animals, especially foxes. What happened to her was cruel and truly heartbreaking, and she will be missed Rest in peace Mikayla Raines#saveafox — KamiKitsune VA (@Prussian_Kami) June 23, 2025 The revelation brought renewed attention to Raines' work, with fans calling for Blizzard to create a tribute in-game—suggestions range from a Kiriko charm to a memorial monument. Blizzard has not yet publicly addressed Raines' death or potential tributes. Meanwhile, players continue to share tributes and express grief over the loss of a beloved figure whose animals helped bring a key game character to life. If you or someone you know is struggling, contact mental health support services in your region.


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21 hours ago
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Versailles statues now talk to visitors in AI-powered experience
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