YouTuber Dies at 29 After 'Bullying Campaign'

Mikayla Raines, a YouTube creator and animal rescue advocate who founded the SaveAFox Rescue, has died at 29, with her husband pointing to online abuse as a factor in her suicide. In a video posted to her YouTube channel on Monday, Ethan Raines said Mikayla took her own life "a couple days ago" after struggles with mental health issues and the toll of criticism, including an "online bullying campaign" involving individuals from "other animal sanctuaries," per People. He directly addressed those who contributed to that negativity, saying he wished they could feel the pain his wife experienced, per NBC News.

Mikayla started SaveAFox Rescue in Minnesota when she was 20, focusing on rescuing foxes from fur farms. The nonprofit has saved more than 150 foxes and built a large online following, with over 2.4 million YouTube subscribers. Mikayla also shared her life, including her young daughter Freya, on social media.

Ethan described trying to resuscitate Mikayla and called on people who feel hopeless to reach out for help, urging others to support loved ones before it's too late. He said he intends to continue his wife's work and asked for privacy. "We will keep pushing forward," he said, asking for continued support for SaveAFox. (If you or someone you know is in crisis, help is available by calling or texting the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.)