Mikayla Raines: A Legacy of Compassion for Animals and Mental Health Awareness

Mikayla Raines, a prominent animal rescuer and YouTuber known for her work with Save a Fox Rescue, tragically passed away from suicide on June 20, 2024, at the age of 30. Her mother, Sandi Raines, shared that Mikayla's life was defined by an unwavering commitment to animal welfare and a deep struggle with mental health issues, including autism, depression, and borderline personality disorder.

Mikayla Raines dedicated her life to rescuing foxes, establishing her nonprofit organization, Save a Fox Rescue, in Rice County, Minnesota, in 2017. Under her stewardship, the organization saved thousands of foxes from the fur trade, with a second location opened in Lake County, Florida, in 2020. According to Sandi Raines, Mikayla had been instrumental in rehabilitating and rehoming around 400 foxes before her untimely death, having spent approximately $1 million in the process. “She felt like she failed because she could not find homes for all of them,” Sandi recounted, emphasizing the emotional toll that the rescue work had on her daughter.

Despite facing significant mental health challenges, Mikayla was a source of inspiration to many. Her husband, Ethan Frankamp, revealed in a heartfelt video shared on Mikayla’s YouTube channel, which has over 2.4 million subscribers, that she struggled with the weight of her responsibilities as a rescuer. “She made such an impact, even though she struggled so much,” Sandi said, echoing the sentiments of many who admired Mikayla’s dedication.

In the wake of her passing, the animal rescue community and her followers have expressed their grief and have initiated a petition demanding stricter regulations on online harassment. As of June 26, over 15,700 individuals have signed the petition, which calls on Reddit to implement stronger policies against hateful content directed at public figures. A Reddit spokesperson stated, “Reddit condemns hate, harassment, and bullying and explicitly prohibits this behavior in our sitewide rules.” This response reflects a broader concern over the mental health impacts of online harassment, particularly for female influencers.

Mikayla’s journey began with her mother, Sandi Raines, a licensed wildlife rehabber who introduced her to the world of animal rescue. Sandi described her daughter’s extraordinary bond with animals, recalling instances where Mikayla could approach wild creatures with ease. “I would think, 'I know why you're here now,'” Sandi reminisced about her daughter’s purpose-driven life.

Mikayla’s beloved fox, Finnegan, became a symbol of her love for the creatures she rescued, often featuring in her social media content. As her mother stated, “She taught Finnegan how to use a dog pee pad,” highlighting the unique bond they shared.

Mikayla leaves behind her husband, Ethan, and their three-year-old daughter, Freya. Sandi expressed gratitude for Ethan’s support during Mikayla’s struggles, stating, “His love and concern for her was like my love and concern for her.”

As the community mourns, a celebration of life is scheduled for July 12 at Save a Fox, where Mikayla’s ashes will be scattered. This event serves as a poignant reminder of her commitment to animal welfare and the urgent need for mental health awareness in the face of online bullying and personal struggles. Mikayla Raines’ legacy is one of compassion, resilience, and a passionate fight for both animals and mental health advocacy, inspiring countless individuals to continue her work and honor her memory.