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Animal rescuer Mikayla Raines dies by suicide at 29, husband blames ‘relentless bullying’ on social media
Ethan Raines, Mikayla's husband, shared that the YouTuber had long battled mental health conditions, including autism, borderline personality disorder, and depression.
Mikayla's husband further opened up about the emotional toll that online trolling had taken her (Image source: @saveafox_rescue/Instagram)
YouTuber Mikayla Raines, popular for rescuing animals, died by suicide at 29. Ethan Raines, husband of Raines, shared the tragic news on social media. Mikayla was widely known for her dedication to rescuing and rehabilitating foxes and other exotic animals, and also founded the animal rescue community called Save A Fox. Ethan has now vowed to carry on his wife’s mission and legacy.
In a video, he shared that Mikayla had long battled mental health conditions, including autism, borderline personality disorder, and depression. She went through therapy and medications, but nothing helped her get better.
“Simple tasks were hard for her,” Ethan said in an emotional video posted to Save A Fox’s social media accounts. “Looking at her from the outside, you could never tell what was going on in her head, but even just socializing would send her over the edge,” he said.
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Ethan further opened up about the emotional toll that online trolling had taken on Mikayla. He alleged that she was constantly harassed on social media, not just from strangers, but also from people she knew, including others within the animal rescue community.
“They consistently spread ridiculous claims and rumours,” Ethan said, adding, “And being the sensitive human that she was, Mikayla took it all to heart. And it hurt her. It hurt her a lot. For years, she pushed through the pain of people trying to bring her down.”
“But this time, it went too far. She couldn’t bear what she was feeling any longer, and she ended her life. It breaks my heart that someone who was selfless and devoted her life to animals could have so much negativity pointed at her,” he said.
Fighting back tears, Ethan said, “Why? That’s all I can ask, is why?”
Sharing the video, 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. But I will continue her dream, and I hope to have your support going forward so that we can do good in her name.”
Watch here:
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Mikayla is survived by her husband and daughter, Freya.
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