The animal advocate’s husband defended her memory, condemning those who spread misinformation and engaged in online bullying. He reminded viewers that Mikayla had struggled with depression and was a deeply sensitive soul.
Ethan, the husband of Save a Fox founder Mikayla Raines, announced her passing in an emotional video shared on social media on June 23, 2025. The nearly 12-minute video captured his visible grief and sorrow.
“This is a video I never planned on making, and it’s completely devastating having to sit down and write this out. But a couple of days ago, Mikayla Raines passed away,” Ethan said through tears.
He described it as the most painful and difficult time of his life, asking for patience as he worked through overwhelming emotions.
Ethan spoke of Mikayla’s deeply empathetic nature and how it was both a gift and a burden. “She was so sensitive to everything, which is a double-edged sword — on one hand it allowed her endless empathy for those in her care, but it also means that she took everything negative to heart,” he said.
He shared that for years, certain individuals — including some from other animal sanctuaries — tried to damage Mikayla’s name and the reputation of her rescue. Despite the hurt caused by these false accusations, Mikayla continued her mission.
The emotional toll of these attacks stayed with her. Alongside that, she lived with borderline personality disorder, which brought emotional turbulence and impulsive behaviors that made her challenges even harder.
Ethan continued, “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.”
Mikayla’s passing touched thousands who had followed her journey and admired her dedication to animals.
The comment section of Ethan’s video quickly filled with condolences. One supporter wrote, “Ethan I’m so sorry. I am speechless and devastated. Wish [sic] I could find the right words to say. Thank you for continuing Mikayla’s dream and I will continue to support and sponsor you guys!!”
Another person shared, “This is so unbelievably devastating. I’m so sorry for you and your family’s loss, and for all the animals who lost their champion.”
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Others praised Mikayla for doing more in her short life than many could in a lifetime, saving countless animals, and inspiring people around the world. Some said the rescue community had lost someone irreplaceable. They described her as a driven soul, and commended Ethan for his courage in sharing such heartbreaking news.
On her website, Mikayla had written about her beginnings. Her love for animals had always been strong, but everything changed at 15 when she met her first fox while volunteering with a wildlife rehabber. In 2015, she was given a captive-born red fox named Farrah Foxett — and her life took a new turn.
She hadn’t known about fur farms in the U.S. until then. Saving three fox pups from one such farm marked the beginning of her rescue journey.
Although she had once studied to become a vet tech, Mikayla left college to devote herself entirely to saving foxes. She poured her heart into her mission and left a lasting legacy.
The sadness from her passing rippled through the animal care world. In a touching Facebook post, someone from For Fox Sake Wildlife Rescue shared their condolences, describing Mikayla as a devoted animal rescuer with a special passion for foxes.
Although they were not personally close, they had mutual friends and had crossed paths many times. About a year earlier, Mikayla had an opportunity to shut down a fur farm and save 500 foxes. The cages were sold cheaply, and the animals would be free.
She worked tirelessly to place them in homes and sanctuaries. Many were scared of humans and difficult to rehome, and though some found places in zoos and sanctuaries, many remained with Mikayla — who struggled to find space and support for them all.
The post ended with a heartfelt message: “To all who knew Mikayla, please accept our deepest, most heartfelt condolences for your unimaginable loss. We at For Fox Sake are thinking of you in this difficult time and here for you.”
Just one day before the tragic news, Mikayla had shared a joyful video on Instagram. She had brought home a lemur and was seen feeding it in the kitchen, smiling as Ethan filmed her. In another moment, she gently patted the animal in their bedroom, then clapped joyfully.
Off-camera, Mikayla also focused on raising her daughter, Freya, to understand and respect wildlife. She often said that while people asked if foxes could be around children, the more important question was whether children were taught to treat animals gently.
Her daughter learned to stay calm, listen, and give animals space. She knew not all animals liked to be touched and that some could bite or scratch.
Mikayla lived her life with purpose — saving animals, educating others, and spreading compassion, even while carrying silent struggles. Her legacy continues through her rescue work, her daughter, and the countless lives she changed.
Source: news.amomama.com