Mikayla Raines, the beloved YouTube personality and founder of SaveaFox Rescue, tragically died by suicide last month, and now, the official cause of death has been confirmed.

According to the Midwest Medical Examiner’s Office, Raines died by hanging inside a barn on her Minnesota property on June 20.

The report, obtained by TMZ, states she was found wearing a fleece onesie, shirt, boxer briefs, and socks. Her body was later cremated, and a funeral service was held on Saturday.

The heartbreaking news was initially shared by her husband, Ethan Frankamp, who revealed that Mikayla had long battled mental health challenges and had recently been targeted by online bullying. While Frankamp did not previously go into detail about the manner of death, he emphasized the importance of compassion in the wake of her passing.

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“We have suffered a loss that is unimaginable,” he began his caption. “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. But I will continue her dream, and I hope to have your support going forward so that we can do good in her name.”

In the video, he revealed, “Mikayla struggled. Behind her passion and love for animals was a woman fighting silent battles. She couldn’t bear what she was feeling any longer, and she ended her life.”

Also in the heartfelt tribute, Mikayla Raines’ husband reflected on the unique challenges and strengths she carried throughout her life, sharing, “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.”

In the wake of Mikayla Raines’ tragic passing, fans and animal lovers from around the world have flooded social media with heartfelt tributes and condolences, honoring the woman whose compassion and commitment to animal rescue touched countless lives.

“This is so incredibly heartbreaking,” one longtime follower wrote. “I’ve been a follower for years, and I am so, so sorry to hear about the passing of Mikayla. My condolences to you and your family.”

Many echoed the emotional toll that often accompanies rescue work, highlighting the immense strength Mikayla demonstrated throughout her journey.

“The pressures of this world, especially while working in rescue, are so heavy,” another fan shared. “Mental health is such an important focus point for each individual. I am so sorry that this beautiful soul lost her battle after struggling for so long. I hope Save A Fox goes on forever and ever in her honor.”

Others offered prayers and support to Mikayla’s loved ones, both human and animal. “Our hearts are with you… I am so very sorry… this is beyond heartbreaking,” one supporter wrote.

Another added simply, “There are no words other than we are thinking of you and sending so much love.”

Mikayla Raines founded SaveAFox Rescue in 2017 with a clear mission: to rescue and rehome captive-born, non-releasable foxes and other exotic animals.

Her passion for wildlife began early, thanks to her mother’s work as a rehabilitator, and by age 15, Mikayla was bottle-feeding her first fox. Though she initially pursued paths in wildlife rehabilitation and veterinary studies, it was her discovery of the harsh realities faced by domestic foxes, especially those bred in fur farms or surrendered as pets, that led her to create SaveAFox.

Located in central Minnesota, the rescue has saved approximately 150 foxes to date.

Many arrive from fur farms due to illness, injury, or cosmetic “imperfections” that make them unprofitable. Others come from pet owners who realize too late how challenging fox care can be, or are seized in legal cases involving the illegal possession of exotic animals.

Mikayla devoted her life to giving these animals a second chance, providing necessary veterinary care, spaying and neutering, and preparing them for adoption into knowledgeable, forever homes. Her mission was simple but profound: to offer love, safety, and a future to animals who would otherwise have none.

If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of self-harm or suicide, help is available. Please contact the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or visit 988lifeline.org to chat with someone 24/7.