Who was Mikayla Raines? Save A Fox founder dies by suicide after online harassment
Mikayla Raines, the compassionate founder of Save A Fox and a beloved YouTube creator, has tragically died by suicide following prolonged online harassment. Her husband, Ethan Raines, confirmed the heartbreaking news through a video on Save A Fox's social media accounts.
Mikayla, who devoted her life to rescuing captive-born foxes and other exotic animals, struggled with autism, depression and borderline personality disorder. Despite undergoing various therapies and medications, she faced intense emotional challenges that were worsened by personal attacks and rumours from people she once trusted. Her death has left an irreplaceable void in the rescue and animal advocacy community and has sparked a conversation about mental health and online cruelty.
Mikayla Raines: A life dedicated to saving animals
Mikayla Raines founded Save A Fox Rescue in 2017. The Minnesota-based non-profit is dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating captive-born foxes and exotic animals from fur farms and unfit homes. Her journey began early in life. Raised by a wildlife rehabilitator mother, she bottle-fed her first fox at 15. By 18, she had trained as a wildlife rehabilitator and studied veterinary science. However, she eventually shifted her focus to domestic foxes.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Cervecería Nacional CFD: Calcula cuánto podrías ganar invirtiendo solo $100
Empieza a invertir hoy
Inscríbete ahora
Undo
She created Save A Fox as a sanctuary and adoption center for animals that couldn't survive in the wild. Since its inception, the organization has saved over 150 foxes, with Mikayla personally involved in every step of their care and socialisation.
An unimaginable loss for the rescue
Behind the camera: personal struggles and online abuse
In an emotional tribute, Ethan Raines revealed that Mikayla faced lifelong challenges with mental health, including autism spectrum disorder and borderline personality disorder.
He explained that she tried multiple therapies and mood stabilisers, but simple tasks often overwhelmed her. The emotional toll became unmanageable when Mikayla was targeted by an online harassment campaign. According to Ethan, the abuse came not only from strangers but also from individuals within her personal life and even other animal sanctuaries.
False claims and rumours deeply affected her. Over time, even close friends began turning against her, which led to a crushing sense of isolation.
A tragic end and a promise to continue her legacy
Despite her struggles, Mikayla never stopped caring for animals. She continued her mission even in the darkest times. Ethan shared that he performed CPR in a desperate attempt to save her before emergency responders arrived. In his grief, he made a public commitment to continue the work Mikayla began. He plans to keep Save A Fox operational, rescuing fur-farm foxes and giving them the life Mikayla envisioned. For now, the family has asked for privacy.
They plan to open the sanctuary grounds in the future for those wishing to honour Mikayla's memory.
Tributes pour in from fans and
animal welfare
groups
Following the announcement, thousands of fans, fellow rescuers and animal lovers shared their sorrow across social media. Many described Mikayla as a beacon of hope and a true hero for animals. The wildlife sanctuary Juniper Wildlife Refuge posted, 'So many in our community have foxes that only came to us because of Mikayla's dedication.'
Others have called attention to the toxic online culture that contributed to her pain.
The subreddit where much of the harassment allegedly occurred has since gone private. Supporters have urged the public to donate to Save A Fox and carry forward Mikayla's vision.
Remembering a gentle soul
Mikayla Raines is survived by her husband Ethan, their daughter Freya, and the countless animals she helped rescue and rehome. Her social media remains a testament to the joy and healing she brought to creatures often forgotten. Though her life was tragically cut short, her legacy lives on in every fox, jackal and pine marten she gave a second chance. Ethan's final words in his video sum up the shared grief of a community: 'Mikayla was truly the most amazing and inspiring individual I have ever known… I feel broken.
But I will continue her dream.'
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
26 minutes ago
- Time of India
HC refuses to interfere with timings for Tiruchendur temple consecration
Madurai: Considering that court-appointed experts in agama principles had arrived at an opinion regarding the timings of the consecration of Subramanya Swamy Temple in Tiruchendur in Tuticorin district, which is to be held on July 7, Madras high court has observed that it was not inclined to interfere with the timings fixed by them. Earlier, public interest litigations were filed by R Sivarama Subramaniya Sasthrigal Vidhayahar and Sri Subramaniya Swamy Thirukoil Swathanthira Paribalana Sthalathargal Saba, seeking to fix the timings for the consecration of the Tiruchendur temple by following the ancient texts and literature. The court appointed a committee of experts to decide the timing. The petitioners filed review petitions seeking to review the earlier order passed by the court. A division bench of justice S Srimathy and justice R Vijayakumar observed that experts in the agama principles arrived at an opinion regarding the timings as 6am to 6.47am, and the court is not inclined to interfere with the said timings. The judges made it clear that the court was constrained to form an expert committee only because Vidhayahar of the temple gave three different Pattolais (Kumbabisheka Muhurtha Pattolais) without mentioning that the first two Pattolais are draft in nature. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Free P2,000 GCash eGift UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo You Can Also Check: Madurai AQI | Weather in Madurai | Bank Holidays in Madurai | Public Holidays in Madurai The judges observed that considering the peculiar facts and circumstances, the court upholds the formation of the expert committee and the timings fixed by them, and this should not be taken as a precedent in the future. Until a decision is rendered by a competent civil court, the supremacy of the Vidhayahar in relation to the religious matters of the temple has to be protected. Therefore, the temple is directed to follow the earlier procedure of seeking opinion from the Vidhayahar through written communication alone. The Vidhayahar shall indicate whether it is a draft or final Pattolai while giving opinion and fixing the timing, the judges observed and disposed of the review petitions. In addition, a public interest litigation petition filed by A Viyanarasu of Tuticorin district sought a direction to the authorities to conduct the consecration of Tiruchendur temple by using Tamil spiritual mantras and hymns equally. A division bench of justice S M Subramaniam and justice A D Maria Clete directed the case to be posted along with other similar petitions.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Free transport helps reduce dropouts in rural schools
1 2 Trichy: In a bid to improve access to education, over 700 students from remote villages in rural Trichy are receiving free transport to government schools through the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) programme. This year, the initiative has been expanded to include 200 more students, aiming to reduce dropout rates and address transportation barriers faced by families in these areas. The programme provides transport to government schools for students living in villages where the nearest school is more than 3 km away. Previously, only students up to Class 8 were covered, but this year the scheme has been extended to include students in Classes 9 and 10. The initiative is being implemented at a cost of ₹41 lakh in Trichy district. Under the programme, the School Management Committee (SMC) members and the headmaster of each school pass a resolution, after which the education department arranges for local private transport services. Depending on student numbers, the transportation is provided via Omni vans or larger vehicles. You Can Also Check: Trichy AQI | Weather in Trichy | Bank Holidays in Trichy | Public Holidays in Trichy The average cost per student is ₹6,000 monthly, paid directly to the transport provider. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Invest in SALIK shares today and be part of the city's growth سالك Learn More Undo The Block Education Officer (BEO) of each area monitors the programme's implementation. The majority of beneficiaries come from villages in Lalgudi, Musiri, Thiruverumbur, Thathiengarpet, Uppiliyapuram, Pullambadi, and Manachanallur. "Transport is crucial for retaining students in government schools. By eliminating the daily struggle to get to school, dropout rates naturally decline," said Thiruverumbur BEO K Marudhanayagam. However, not all remote areas are covered under the scheme. Recently, students from a village in Manapparai had to rely on a private vehicle arranged by locals after a lack of transport options. Similar issues have been reported in areas like Pachamalai, where transportation remains a barrier. "Awareness of the scheme remains a challenge. Many SMC members and headmasters are either unaware or reluctant to submit proposals," said an official. In some cases, schools like one in Sengattupatti, Thuraiyur, didn't submit proposals this year due to reduced student strength, while in others, a lack of available transport providers hampers implementation.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Wildlife dept, Panchkula division, to come up with zonal master plan for ESZ around wildlife sanctuaries
1 2 Panchkula: For integrating ecological, environmental, socio-economic, and regulatory considerations, the forest and wildlife department of Panchkula division is going to prepare a zonal master plan (ZMP) of the eco-sensitive zone (ESZ) around Khol Hai Raitan Wildlife Sanctuary, Bir Shikargah Wildlife Sanctuary, and Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary (towards Haryana side). Under the plan, mapping and delineation of the ESZ boundary based on GPS coordinates will be done. A baseline survey of land use, forest cover, water bodies, agricultural practices, tourism infrastructure, and habitations will also be carried out. Identification of prohibited, regulated, and permissible activities in the ESZ is also part of it. A proposal will be prepared for the restoration of degraded areas, conservation of water resources and biodiversity, ecotourism promotion and regulation, sustainable livelihood options, regulation of construction and industrial activities, pollution control, and solid waste management. Besides, the preparation of sectoral sub-plans (e.g., tourism, waste, transport, forest) in line with MoEFCC and State guidelines will be included. The wildlife department is engaging an agency for the job. You Can Also Check: Chandigarh AQI | Weather in Chandigarh | Bank Holidays in Chandigarh | Public Holidays in Chandigarh As per the wildlife department, Panchkula division, the ministry of environment, forest and climate change (MoEFCC) notified the ESZ around Khol Hai Raitan Wildlife Sanctuary, dated October 24, 2016. This sanctuary falls under the Shivalik Hills. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Scam Exposed: What They Won't Tell You about zero trust! Expertinspector Click Here Undo The ESZ varies from zero to 925 meters around the boundary of the sanctuary, comprising an area of approximately 1,320 hectares. The ministry notified the ESZ around Bir Shikargah Wildlife Sanctuary, Panchkula, dated November 23, 2016. This sanctuary is situated at a height of approximately 400 metres above sea level in Panchkula. The said wildlife sanctuary falls under the Shivalik hills. It is part of the Ghaggar river catchment area, which is surrounded by some villages and forest areas. Here, the seasonal river Kaushalya originates from the Himalayan region and passes through the sanctuary, and the entire area of the said wildlife sanctuary is formed by the accumulation of soil and manure. The eco-sensitive zone varies from zero to 2,310 meters around the boundary of Bir Shikargah Wildlife Sanctuary, and the total area falling under the ESZ is approximately 1,131 hectares. The ministry also notified the ESZ around Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary (towards Haryana side) in the State of Haryana, dated Nov 11, 2024. The eco-sensitive zone generally extends up to 1.0 km from the boundary of the Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary on the Haryana side. It is further extended to 2.0 kilometres in the Reserved Forest on the northern side. On the eastern side, the eco-sensitive zone boundary is mostly 1.0 kilometre, running along the boundary of the reserved forest; it is extended on the south-eastern side to make it co-terminous with the boundary of the reserved forest, and the total area of the Eco-Sensitive Zone is 24.60 sq. kms. Ten villages, namely Prempura, Sokhomajri, Damala, Lohgarh, Manakpur Thakardas, Surajpur, Chandimandir Kotla, Darra Kharauni, Rampur, Saketari, and Mahadevpur, fall within the proposed ESZ. The total area proposed will be 6078.98 acres (2460.07 ha) and will encompass and include, inter-alia, the following areas. Out of the ten villages falling in the proposed Eco-Sensitive Zone, two villages, Saketri and Prempura, fall within a radius of 700 meters from the boundary of Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary. While the houses in Village Saketri are located along the boundary of Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary, the habitation of Village Prempura is at a distance of 300 m to 700 m from the boundary of Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary. The state govt is mandated to prepare a ZMP for the ESZ in consultation with various departments and local stakeholders. Rajender Prasad, divisional wildlife officer, Panchkula division, said, "After preparing the entire plan in about three months' time of allotting the work, the report will be sent to the govt. Future developments near these sanctuaries will depend on it."
