Mikayla Raines, known for her work as a YouTuber on the SaveAFox channel, tragically passed away by suicide at the age of 33, prompting heartfelt tributes from her family and friends. Raines’ funeral service took place on July 12, featuring an emotional start with the song “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” followed by moving eulogies delivered by her loved ones.
Her husband, Ethan Frankamp, shared the devastating news of her passing in a YouTube video in June, during which he highlighted the impact of alleged online bullying on Raines’ mental health. He mentioned that she had been facing significant criticism and negativity from individuals she once considered friends, leaving her feeling isolated and overwhelmed. Raines battled autism, depression, and borderline personality disorder, which contributed to her emotional struggles. Frankamp expressed his heartbreak over losing someone who dedicated her life to animal welfare and urged those who bullied her to understand the pain they caused.
In a poignant statement, Frankamp vowed to continue Raines’ mission through SaveAFox, the nonprofit they founded in 2017, which focuses on rescuing foxes from fur farms. He affirmed, “I will not let Mikayla’s light be extinguished,” and committed to rescuing as many animals as possible in her memory.
Raines’ mother, Sandi Raines, revealed that Mikayla had been dealing with online harassment for several years, which profoundly affected her. Despite the challenges she faced, Mikayla remained devoted to rescuing animals, recently caring for over 500 foxes and successfully rehoming 400 of them. Sandi noted that Mikayla felt inadequate for not placing the last remaining foxes quickly enough, which added to her emotional burden.
Mikayla’s life and her tragic passing serve as a reminder of the devastating effects of bullying and the importance of mental health support. For anyone experiencing struggles similar to Mikayla’s, resources are available, including the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988.
This heartfelt story of love, loss, and the unwavering spirit of advocacy for animals highlights the resilience one can find even amidst despair, emphasizing the need for compassion towards those facing mental health challenges.