'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,/9j/2wBDAAYEBQYFBAYGBQYHBwYIChAKCgkJChQODwwQFxQYGBcUFhYaHSUfGhsjHBYWICwgIyYnKSopGR8tMC0oMCUoKSj/2wBDAQcHBwoIChMKChMoGhYaKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCj/wAARCAAGAAoDASIAAhEBAxEB/8QAFgABAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAUG/8QAHhAAAgEFAAMAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQIEAAMFESExQfD/xAAVAQEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAADBv/EABwRAAEEAwEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAEAAgMhBBEScf/aAAwDAQACEQMRAD8Az86TGyk5Is+It+2pJLsdPwDwR66KpquMRQox1rSjQ+3SlTWTI9nIaSKRyVrxf//Z'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Popular YouTuber and animal rescuer Mikayla Raines passed away recently. Her husband Ethan shared the unfortunate news, revealing that the wildlife activist died by suicide a couple of days ago.
The news was unexpected for Mikayla’s followers, who saw her quite cheerful in her last Instagram post before her death. Raines, who was struggling with mental health issues, shared a skit with her husband via Instagram. Ethan was seen being welcomed by a lemur at the start of the video, as he said:
“Do you ever marry an animal lover and you think it’s just gonna be cats and dogs? And then they kinda go off the rails a little bit and now you are not sure what to expect when they’re calling you saying, ‘Don’t be mad, when you get home.’ And then you do get home, and I don’t know what I’m looking at right now.”
Ethan was seemingly shocked to see the lemur, while Mikayla responded, “He’s nice.” The husband asked:
“What do you mean ‘He’s nice’?”
The video captured the antics of the lemur as the animal created chaos around the house by jumping off windows and furniture. Ethan seemed skeptical about their new pet, and Mikayla talked about the cage for the lemur she had set up while her husband was away. The skit ended with the “Save A Fox” founder petting the animal as she discussed keeping it with Ethan.
Unfortunately, a few days later, Ethan posted another video through Mikayla’s Instagram account, sharing the news of her passing.
Mikayla Raines’ husband posts a heartfelt video talking about her death, Save A Fox, online hate, and more
Ethan Raines shared an emotional video on Instagram and YouTube, revealing the news of his wife’s death. He shared how Mikayla struggled with depression and borderline personality disorder for a long time before ending her life due to persistent online harassment. Ethan, who burst into tears multiple times during the video, said:
“This is a video I never planned on making and it’s completely devastating having to sit down and write this out. But a couple days ago, Mikayla Raines passed away. This is the most hurtful and difficult time of my life so please bear with me as I try to read this through the tears.”
Ethan went on to talk about his wife’s efforts toward rescuing animals. He stated that Mikayla Raines was on the autism spectrum, which “allowed her to hyper-focus on the one thing [animals],” despite all the challenges she faced in life. Ethan mentioned his late wife’s rescue efforts from a young age and 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. She put the animals’ well-being over her own, time and time again.”
Ethan mentioned that Mikayla Raines was there to help all animals, be it foxes, birds, reptiles, sheep, or squirrels. He further recounted how his wife would work to establish trust with the animals she helped rescue and asserted that all of them “have lost a best friend.” According to him, the number of rescues Mikayla made throughout her lifetime was in the four figures.
Ethan Raines thanked everyone for their kind words through letters and social media comments for acknowledging his wife’s work. He stated that he would keep Mikayla’s legacy alive with Save A Fox—the organization and rescue sanctuary. He assured followers that he would try posting more content on Instagram while encouraging them to support the organization through donations, social media interactions, and more. He said:
“This is what Mikayla would want, and I have to see her goals and dreams be realized.”
Ethan further described Mikayla Raines as “a wonderful wife and a caring mother” and talked about their personal lives before her passing. While reading, he got emotional again but continued honoring his late wife. Ethan also reflected on his daughter Freya’s relationship with her late mother.
As Raines continued to hold back tears, he recalled the mental health issues the wildlife activist had faced. Ethan asserted that despite her struggles, Mikayla tried to raise awareness and practiced empathy. However, she was also a victim of social media bullying, according to her husband.
Per Ethan, Mikayla Raines was hurt by the negative comments she received online. He further claimed that his wife had recently faced more “rude words, accusations, and name-calling” from some people she considered “close friends.” Ethan added:
“She couldn’t bear what she was feeling any longer, and she ended her life. And it breaks my heart that someone who is selfless and devoted her life to animals could have so much negativity pointed at her.”
Mikayla Raines’ husband called out those who spread negativity about the wildlife activist and wished they felt the pain her family had been through during the past few days. Ethan reminded them of the “real and terrible consequences” of their words and asked them to “shut up” rather than say something negative.
He encouraged those in need of help to talk to their loved ones or call a hotline. At the same time, he also asked everyone to keep “an eye on those around” them and look for the signs to help. Ethan reiterated that he would continue Mikayla Raines’ mission of saving farm foxes and other animals.
Reply
