Mikayla Raines dies at 29: How online bullying claimed the animal influencer’s life

The family of Mikayla Raines, a well-known animal advocate and social media influencer, released a heartfelt statement on June 23 confirming her passing.

Raines, who was admired for her dedication to animal rights, tragically died by suicide. Those close to her have attributed her death, in part, to the relentless online bullying and harassment she endured. Her husband, Ethan, was the first to share the news of her death publicly and posted a heartfelt video on Instagram to inform her fans and followers about her passing, expressing his grief and love for her.

In the video, he spoke to Mikayla’s character: a person with a warm heart, who never let the doubts of others get in her way, and who used her passion to help vulnerable animals.

Mikayla’s dedication to animal resuce

Mikayla was the founder of SaveAFox, a non-profit organization dedicated to the rescue and welfare of animals, primarily focusing on foxes but also welcoming other exotic and vulnerable animals in need.

She launched the organization at the young age of 20, driven by her deep love for animals and desire to make a difference. Much of her online content showcased her work with these creatures, sharing heartfelt stories and updates from her rescue missions.

Over the years, her following steadily grew, and she became a prominent figure on social media, accumulating 2.4 million subscribers on YouTube and over half a million followers on Instagram.

A warning of the dangers of online bullying

Despite this success, Mikayla faced immense challenges. As her husband later revealed when publicly discussing her death, the relentless hate and cyberbullying she received online took a severe toll on her mental health. Tragically, this contributed to her making the heartbreaking decision to end her own life. According to Mikayla’s family, she was autistic, a fact many of her followers knew and respected. She also battled underlying mental health issues, including depression and borderline personality disorder, which made the cruelty and negativity she faced online even more difficult to cope with, highlighting the complex struggles she endured behind her inspiring public persona.

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