YouTube star Mikayla Raines has died after being ‘relentlessly bullied’ in a targeted online campaign.
Her husband Ethan confirmed her death Monday by suicide in a heartbreaking Instagram post.
‘They spread false rumors, and being the sensitive person she was, it deeply affected her,’ he told her followers.
‘She tried for years to push through the pain, but this time it was too much.’
Raines, 29, had been battling a myriad of health conditions including depression, borderline personality disorder and autism.
She underwent years of therapy and had tried different medications.
Raines is best known for her nonprofit Save A Fox, which has locations in Florida and her home state of Minnesota.
The organization – which Raines founded in 2016 at age 20 and grew to become the largest fox rescue operation in the US – is focused on saving and rehabilitating foxes and other exotic animals.
Mikayla Raines has died after being ‘relentlessly bullied’ in a targeted online campaign
The animal rights campaigner took her own life after being subjected to a lengthy online harassment campaign that saw both strangers and other animal rescuers hurl abuse at her, Ethan claimed.
She recently was met with ‘rude words, accusations and name-calling came from some of those she considered close friends’.
He suggested the abuse stemmed from ‘jealousy and envy’.
‘Mikayla was truly the most amazing and inspiring individual I have ever known, and not having her here makes everything feel empty,’ he said through his tears.
‘I feel broken.’
This is a breaking news story. Check back for updates.
- If you or someone you know is in crisis, you can call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 for 24-hour, confidential support.
