YouTube Star Mikayla Raines Dies By Suicide, Husband Cites Online Bullying: 'She Couldn't Bear...'

Last Updated:June 25, 2025, 23:55 IST

Mikayla Raines' husband Ethan Raines revealed that the loss followed years of mental health struggles and online bullying.

Mikayla Raines died by suicide earlier this month at the age of 29.

YouTube creator and animal rescue activist Mikayla Raines died by suicide earlier this month at the age of 29. In a deeply emotional Instagram video, her husband Ethan Raines revealed that the loss followed years of mental health struggles and online bullying.

“She couldn’t bear what she was feeling any longer and she ended her life," Ethan Raines said, holding back tears in the video. He added, “It’s the biggest loss of my life."

In the caption, he wrote, “We have suffered a loss that is unimaginable. Mikayla was truly the most amazing and inspiring individual I have ever known, and not having her here makes everything feel empty. I feel broken."

Mikayla Raines- who founded SaveAFox Rescue in Minnesota at the age of 20- was widely known for her dedication to saving foxes from fur farms. According to the organization’s website, she helped rescue more than 150 foxes.

Ethan Raines described her as “one of the most selfless people I have ever known," and explained that while her passion for animals gave her purpose, it also made her vulnerable. He said, “As many of you know, she was on the autism spectrum and that allowed her to hyperfocus on one thing- animals. But it also made her life very difficult. She was so sensitive to everything. It was a double-edged sword."

He went on to say that Mikayla Raines had been the target of a sustained “online bullying campaign," including from individuals at other animal sanctuaries.

“That hurt her a lot," he said, adding that the pain intensified when “people she considered her close friends" began to join in.

He continued, “It breaks my heart that someone who was so selfless and devoted her life to animals could have so much negativity pointed at her."

Directly addressing those he believed contributed to her suffering, Ethan Raines said, “To every one of you that had been responsible for making her feel this way- I wish you had to feel what she felt. I wish you had to feel what I feel."

He ended the video with a plea, “If anyone out there feels lost and hopeless- reach out. Please look out for the people you love. Look for the signs. Say something, do something, before it’s too late."

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News world YouTube Star Mikayla Raines Dies By Suicide, Husband Cites Online Bullying: 'She Couldn't Bear...'