Mikayla Raines, the beloved YouTuber and founder of the SaveAFox animal rescue, tragically passed away at the age of 29. In an exclusive interview with Us Weekly, her mother, Sandi Raines, opened up about the profound impact of online bullying on Mikayla’s life and the family’s efforts to continue her legacy.
Mikayla was known for her deep love of animals, a passion that began in her childhood. Sandi recounted how her daughter had an extraordinary connection with wildlife, recalling a moment when a wild deer approached Mikayla in their yard. “She just adored animals,” Sandi shared, noting that Mikayla grew up bottle-feeding various animals, including squirrels and foxes. At just 15 years old, she cared for a wild fox, nurturing it until it was ready to be released back into the wild. However, the fox often returned, demonstrating the special bond they shared.
Despite her love for animals, Mikayla struggled with mental health issues throughout her life, including depression and anxiety, which were compounded by her autism diagnosis. Sandi revealed that these challenges made it difficult for Mikayla to form friendships, leading to experiences of bullying during her school years.
In her final days, Mikayla was focused on her mission to find homes for the last 100 foxes she had rescued, having successfully rehomed 400 others. Sandi expressed her daughter’s frustration over not being able to find homes quickly enough, saying, “She was just beating herself up that she couldn’t find homes for the last hundred.”
The online bullying that Mikayla faced intensified significantly in the years leading up to her death, particularly on platforms like Reddit and Tumblr. Sandi explained that the harassment escalated just weeks before Mikayla’s passing, as old posts resurfaced, leading to a wave of false accusations against her. “It broke her,” Sandi stated, emphasizing the toll that the bullying took on her daughter’s mental health.
Mikayla had previously faced rumors claiming she was an animal hoarder and that she mistreated the animals under her care. These lies deeply affected her, especially since some of the accusations came from individuals she had considered friends. The emotional burden of these attacks became overwhelming for Mikayla, who had already been struggling with her mental health.
Sandi noted that Mikayla had made attempts to take her life in the past and had been hospitalized multiple times. Despite seeking help, finding the right treatment proved challenging. “Nobody could ever figure out the right medication,” Sandi explained, adding that the side effects often left Mikayla feeling either overly sedated or anxious.
In the wake of Mikayla’s passing, her husband, Ethan Frankamp, has vowed to keep her fox rescue sanctuary alive. He shared with followers that Mikayla was sensitive to criticism and took negative comments to heart. “It breaks my heart that someone who is selfless and devoted her life to animals could have so much negativity pointed at her,” he said in a heartfelt tribute.
Mikayla’s legacy continues through SaveAFox, which has garnered a large following on social media. Her family is organizing a celebration of her life on July 12 at the sanctuary, inviting supporters to honor her memory. Tickets for the event are available on the SaveAFox website and social media channels.
As the community mourns the loss of Mikayla Raines, her story highlights the urgent need to address the impact of online bullying and mental health awareness. Her dedication to animal rescue and her compassionate spirit will be remembered by many, serving as a reminder of the importance of kindness and understanding in the face of adversity.