Mikayla Raines Cause of Death Confirmed: New Details about YouTuber's Suicide Emerges

The tragic passing away of a 29-year-old YouTube star and animal rights activist has brought to the fore the online vulnerabilities of an individual who, despite odds, carved a niche for herself in society.

Known for her work with SaveAFox Rescue, Mikayla Raines touched millions with her dedication to rescuing foxes and other exotic animals.

She died by suicide on 20 June, and the Midwest Medical Examiner's Office confirmed her cause of death as suicide by hanging, shedding light on the profound challenges she faced.

A Life Devoted to Animal Rescue

Mikayla Raines founded SaveAFox Rescue in 2017 at the age of 20, driven by a lifelong passion for animals instilled by her mother, a wildlife rehabilitator.

By the age of 15, she was bottle-feeding her first fox, and her Minnesota-based nonprofit grew to rescue thousands of foxes from fur farms, illegal pet trades, and neglectful owners.

Her YouTube channel, boasting over 2.4 million subscribers, showcased her work, earning her a global following, and featured a memorial video.

X posts from @TheCutieVixen state, 'Mikayla Raines of SaveAFox rescue ended her own life after a relentless harassment and smear campaign. Her positivity was infectious and her heart pure as gold.'

Raines' autism spectrum diagnosis, as her husband, Ethan Frankamp, noted, allowed her to hyperfocus on animal welfare, though it also heightened her sensitivity to criticism.

The Toll of Online Harassment

Raines' death has been linked to intense online bullying, which her husband and mother say overwhelmed her.

Ethan Frankamp announced her passing in an emotional Instagram video on 22 June 2025, revealing he found her in their barn in Faribault, Minnesota, and performed CPR for 15 minutes until paramedics arrived.

He described a years-long campaign of harassment from individuals, including some from rival animal sanctuaries, that left Raines feeling 'the entire world had turned against her.'

Her mother, Sandi Raines, told US Weekly that Mikayla faced online abuse for four years, which 'broke' her despite her indifference to fame.

X posts from @tws_pk2 state, '#MikaylaRaines sadly took her own life after being subjected to online harassment. These trolls who don't think twice before abusing someone have no idea how vulnerable someone can be.'

This relentless negativity exacerbated her mental health struggles, culminating in her tragic decision.

A Legacy That Lives On

Despite her struggles, Raines' impact endures through SaveAFox Rescue and the animals she saved.

Ethan vowed to continue her mission, stating, 'I will not let Mikayla's light be extinguished, and I won't let her mission fall apart.'

A celebration of her life was livestreamed on 12 July 2025, drawing tributes from fans worldwide. SaveAFox's Instagram post comments read, 'Does anyone know the details of her harassment and if any of them are going to face charges?'

Her work involved providing veterinary care, spaying, neutering, and finding forever homes for countless animals, with donations to the non-profit valued at £75,000 ($100,432) in 2024, supporting its ongoing efforts.

Raines leaves behind her daughter, Freya, and a community determined to honour her legacy.

Mikayla Raines' death by suicide at 29 underscores the devastating impact of online harassment and mental health challenges.

Her legacy as a compassionate animal rescuer lives on through SaveAFox and the lives she touched.