Mikayla Raines dead: YouTube star who rescued foxes tragically dies by suicide aged 29

YouTube star Mikayla Raines, who was the founder of animal rescue organisation Save A Fox, has died by suicide at the age of 29. The online personality's husband confirmed the tragic news that she took her own life on Monday and hit out at trolls who bullied her online.

Mikayla, who had over 500,000 followers on Instagram, focused her life on wildlife rescue. Her YouTube page has over 2.4 million subscribers. The mother-of-one started the Save A Fox nonprofit to save and rehabilitate foxes and other exotic animals. She started working with animals when she was 15 years old. Her husband, Ethan, shared the heartbreaking news on social media in an 11-minute video.

He said: "They spread false rumors, and being the sensitive person she was, it deeply affected her. She tried for years to push through the pain, but this time it was too much."

Ethan hit out at people's "rude words, accusations and name-calling", claiming "all of this stems from jealousy and envy." He went on to say his wife was suffering from severe mental health challenges, including depression, autism and borderline personality disorder.

Mikayla also went through many years of therapy. "As many of you know she was on the autism spectrum and while that made her life very difficult it allowed her to hyperfocus on one thing and that one thing was obviously animals," Ethan continued.

"From a young age she dedicated every waking hour of her life to helping them, whether it was helping a snapping turtle cross the road or saving 500 foxes from a terrible fur farm. She was never in it for fame money or personal gain.

"She was truly one of the most selfless people I have ever known." He said her sudden death was a "loss that is unimaginable" before saying: "Mikayla was truly the most amazing and inspiring individual I have ever known, and not having her here makes everything feel empty. I feel broken."

He vowed to continue her legacy with the rescue.

Mikayla, who was born on March 5 1996, had a huge online presence with her Save A Fox organisation. The operation soon became the biggest fox rescue one in the US.

Nonprofit animal organisation Juniper Wildlife Refuge paid tribute to the animal lover. They wrote: "This is so tragic. So many in our community have foxes that only came to us because of Mikayla’s dedication to her mission and empathy toward animals."

They continued: "We will all carry a small piece of her light that lives on through them. There are really no words to describe how sorry I am for your loss and the pain that you and all of her loved ones are suffering. I hope her memory continues to bring all of you strength."

The YouTube star is survived by Ethan and their daughter Freya.

*If you're struggling and need to talk, the Samaritans operate a free helpline open 24/7 on 116 123. Alternatively, you can email jo@samaritans.org or visit their site to find your local branch

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