A YouTuber who saved exotic animals commits suicide as a result of cyberbullying
Her own voice has been silenced, despite her life’s work to give voiceless creatures a second opportunity. Sadly, Mikayla Raines, a well-liked YouTuber and fox rescue advocate, died at the age of 29. In a tearful Instagram video shared on Monday, June 23, her distraught husband Ethan revealed the tragic news, saying she passed away “a couple days ago.” Note: Some readers may find this material uncomfortable or upsetting because it covers suicide.
Mikayla Raines dedicated her life to helping the voiceless, but when she most needed help, the brutality of others got to her. Tragically, the 29-year-old YouTuber, wildlife activist, and creator of the Save A Fox rescue group committed suicide.
In a tearful video posted on Instagram on June 23, her husband Ethan Raines confirmed the devastating news, informing viewers that Mikayla passed away “a couple days ago.” Ethan, who was clearly distraught, remarked, “She was the most selfless person I have ever known.” “Mikayla was the most incredible and motivating person I have ever met, and her absence fills a void in my life. I’m feeling damaged.
An influencer like Mikayla wasn’t like the others. Her path became evident when she volunteered at a wildlife rehabilitation center at the age of 15. She started Save A Fox in 2017, and with locations in Minnesota and Florida, it eventually became the biggest fox rescue in the United States. Her goal is to rescue and rehabilitate exotic animals that have been harmed or abandoned, particularly those from harsh fur farms.
Ethan said Mikayla has been dealing with mental health issues for a while. She sought therapy, medicine, and community assistance for years after receiving diagnoses of depression, autism, and borderline personality disorder. However, the internet, which had previously supported her passion, became unsupportive.
According to Ethan, Mikayla was the victim of an ongoing campaign of internet harassment. What was the most painful? Others in the animal sanctuary community, including people she had previously called friends, were responsible for a large number of the “rude words, accusations, and name-calling.”
“They propagate untrue rumors,” Ethan clarified. And that had a profound effect on her because she was a sensitive person. For years, she attempted to endure the agony, but this time it was too much. He explained how her intense empathy, which was what made her such an exceptional caregiver, also proved to be her downfall. “She had an insatiable capacity for empathy for the people under her care because she was so sensitive to everything.” However, it also indicates that she took anything that wasn’t good personally.
Ethan made jokes about living with an animal lover while Mikayla played with a lemur on Instagram the day before she passed away. Nobody foresaw what would happen next. Before emergency responders arrived, Ethan claimed to have given Mikayla CPR for fifteen minutes, but it was too late.
He remarked, “She felt like the world had turned against her.” “I find it heartbreaking that someone who dedicated her life to animals and was so selfless could be the target of so much hate.”
Ethan is now committed to continuing her legacy. “I’ll carry on her dream,” he declared. “And I look forward to your continued support so that we can do good in her honor.” Mikayla leaves behind a little daughter named Freya in addition to a devastated animal-loving society. “She’s devastated,” Ethan continued.
Numerous animal organizations nationwide have offered their condolences. As stated by the Juniper Wildlife Refuge: Because of Mikayla’s commitment to her purpose and compassion for animals, so many people in our community now own foxes that came to us.
Each of us will bear a tiny fragment of her brightness that endures through us. You are not alone if you or someone you know is experiencing mental health issues. Visit 988lifeline.org or give 988 a call or text. By texting MHA to 741741, you can also get through to the Crisis Text Line. There is assistance available; please get in touch.
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