The founder of Save A Fox died by suicide, a loss her husband attributes to long-term cyberbullying and mental health struggles.

Tragic Loss in Faribault

July 16, 2025: Mikayla Raines, a 29‑year‑old wildlife rehabilitator and YouTube star known for her rescue work with foxes, was found dead by suicide in the barn on her Faribault, Minnesota property on June 20. The Midwest Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed she died by hanging—its final ruling as suicide.

A Heartbroken Husband Speaks Out

Her husband, Ethan Frankamp, shared a video detailing her final moments. He performed CPR for 15 minutes before paramedics arrived, calling the experience “unimaginably devastating.” They leave behind a young daughter, Freya, who is deeply affected.

Online Harassment Took Its Toll

Ethan revealed that Mikayla endured years of relentless cyberbullying, including coordinated attacks from former friends and other members of the animal rescue community. Sensitive by nature and living with autism and borderline personality disorder, she “felt as if the entire world had turned against her”—and ultimately couldn’t bear what she was feeling.

Legacy: Saving Animals, Raising Awareness

Mikayla founded Save A Fox in 2017, helping hundreds of foxes and other wildlife. With over 2.4 million YouTube subscribers, she used her platform to champion animal welfare and transparency. Ethan expressed his determination to continue her rescue mission in her honor.

Final Take

Mikayla Raines’s death is a heartbreaking reminder of how cyberbullying and mental health struggles can compound—ending in tragedy. Her story leaves a legacy of compassion for animals and serves as a powerful call to action for empathy, awareness, and mental health support.