A well-known YouTuber who dedicated her life to rescuing animals, specifically foxes, has tragically passed away by suicide, as confirmed by her husband. This devastating news has shaken her community and followers.

Mikayla Raines, the passionate individual behind the popular SaveAFox accounts on YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram, which collectively attract millions of dedicated followers, took her own life after enduring years of relentless online bullying, as revealed by her husband Ethan in a deeply emotional video shared online on Monday.

At just 29 years old, Raines leaves behind her loving husband and their young daughter, Freya, who will now have to navigate life without her.

In a poignant 12-minute video posted to the rescue’s social media platforms, Ethan expressed that he and his family have experienced a loss that is truly unimaginable and overwhelming.

Ethan explained that Raines was on the autism spectrum and also battled severe depression and borderline personality disorder. He shared that she was continually in and out of various forms of therapy and had tried multiple mood stabilizers and medications, but unfortunately, none of these options seemed to provide the relief she desperately needed.

According to Ethan, Raines was deeply affected by negative comments and criticism, claiming that over the past few years, a group of individuals had been actively “throwing dirt on Mikayla’s name and her animal rescue efforts,” which added to her emotional burden.

“Most of these individuals were people she considered friends, and some even worked at other animal sanctuaries. They consistently spread outrageous claims and rumors that deeply hurt her,” he explained. “Being the sensitive person she was, Mikayla took all of it to heart, and it caused her immense pain and suffering.”

“Recently, several hurtful comments, accusations, and name-calling originated from individuals she considered close friends. I believe all of this stemmed from jealousy and envy, but she felt as if the entire world had turned against her,” he continued, before revealing her tragic decision to end her life.

“She could not endure the pain and anguish any longer, and she made the heartbreaking decision to end her life. It breaks my heart that someone so selfless and so dedicated to protecting animals could face such overwhelming negativity,” he said through tears. “Why? That is all I can ask, is why? In a world filled with darkness, she was simply a light. She was just a light.”

Ethan then directed a message to “those of you who contributed to this, every single one of you who has been responsible for making her feel this way.”

“I hope you could feel what she felt. I want you to experience what I feel. I want you to witness me discovering her and I want you to see me perform CPR on her for fifteen minutes until the first responders arrived,” he exclaimed. “And I wish you could helplessly watch as paramedics tried desperately to revive her lifeless body. I want you to hear the screams and cries of her family. I want you to see tiny, heartbroken Freya trying to understand why she will never see her mommy again.”

“I wish you had understood the impact of your actions before you did what you did, before it had to escalate to this point, and I hope you grasp that words can have real and devastating consequences,” he concluded. “If you only have negative garbage to say, just keep quiet.”

Ethan shared that this was “a video I never planned on making,” honoring his wife for her years of dedication and advocacy for animals. He called her “one of the most selfless individuals I have ever known,” stating that “not having her here makes everything feel overwhelmingly empty.”

He also urged anyone feeling hopeless to reach out for help and advised others to “keep an eye on those around you.” Despite his immense grief and feeling like he has a “literal hole in my chest,” Ethan vowed to continue her advocacy work and ensure that SaveAFox remains active without her.

“I have to see her goals and dreams fulfilled,” he stated, “I love you Mikayla … I will always love you so much. And I miss you dearly.”

Raines founded the Minnesota-based SaveAFox in 2017, dedicating her life to the rescue and rehabilitation of foxes and raising awareness about their plight.

If you or someone you know is struggling with depression or has thoughts of harming themselves or taking their own life, please seek help. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-8255) offers 24/7, free, confidential support for individuals in distress.