Mikayla Raines, the 29-year-old founder of SaveAFox, an animal sanctuary in Minnesota, has died following complications related to brain death, her husband Dakota Dubbels confirmed. She was declared brain dead on 17 June after what Dubbels described as a long and private battle with emotional distress.
Raines was best known for her work rescuing foxes and raising awareness about the fur trade. Her passing has left a deep void in the animal rescue community and among the millions who followed her journey online.
A Life Devoted to Compassion
Mikayla Raines founded SaveAFox in 2017, creating a sanctuary that became home to foxes rescued from fur farms, breeders, and failed pet situations. Many of these animals had no chance of survival in the wild, but under Mikayla's care, they were given the opportunity to heal—physically and emotionally.
Her videos, often filmed with nothing more than a phone, showed moments of quiet connection: a fox napping beside her, nuzzling her face, or leaping playfully in the snow. These glimpses into her world resonated deeply with viewers, many of whom said her compassion helped them through their own challenges.
The Struggles Behind the Scenes
In a heartfelt video, Dubbels shared that Mikayla had faced months of emotional strain, stemming not from online trolls but from people she had once trusted deeply. He described a pattern of subtle exclusion, broken relationships, and what he called 'relentless bullying' from individuals within her personal circle.
'She was slowly worn down,' he said. 'It wasn't one big thing. It was a series of small things—people pulling away, withholding kindness, or turning their backs on her when she needed support the most.'
He noted that while Mikayla had not been formally diagnosed with a mental illness, he and others had noticed changes: she slept less, laughed less, and became increasingly withdrawn in the months leading to her death.
An Outpouring of Grief and Support
Following news of her death, tributes flooded social media. Fans described Mikayla as gentle, empathetic, and deeply committed to her mission. Many shared stories of how her fox sanctuary—and her quiet strength—had helped them cope with their own loneliness, depression, or anxiety.
'She made me feel like the world still had safe space'," one follower wrote. Others praised her for giving a voice not just to animals, but to people who often feel overlooked or invisible.
Reflecting on Creator Culture
Beyond the mourning, Mikayla's story has sparked deeper conversations about mental health in the digital age—especially among creators and activists. Some supporters have pointed to the isolating effects of interpersonal conflict in tight-knit communities, the unspoken pressures of maintaining a public image, and how emotional harm doesn't always look like hate—it can come quietly, from silence or exclusion.
Continuing Her Legacy
Despite the loss, SaveAFox remains operational. Dakota Dubbels, alongside a core team of volunteers, has taken over daily care and operations, committed to continuing Mikayla's work.
'She gave everything to this place,' he said. 'And we're going to honour her by protecting it, growing it, and making sure her mission lives on.'
Plans are underway for a public memorial and fundraiser to support the sanctuary and raise awareness for mental health support within the rescue and content creator communities.
A Deeper Conversation
Mikayla Raines' death is more than the loss of a beloved rescuer. It serves as a reminder of the quiet burdens people may carry, even while doing meaningful work. Her life was full of care, but her story also reveals how vital it is to check in, to offer genuine kindness, and to protect those around us from the invisible weights they may be carrying.
If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out. You are not alone.
Mikayla Raines, the 29-year-old founder of SaveAFox, an animal sanctuary in Minnesota, has died following complications related to brain death, her husband Dakota Dubbels confirmed. She was declared brain dead on 17 June after what Dubbels described as a long and private battle with emotional distress.
Raines was best known for her work rescuing foxes and raising awareness about the fur trade. Her passing has left a deep void in the animal rescue community and among the millions who followed her journey online.
A Life Devoted to Compassion
Mikayla Raines founded SaveAFox in 2017, creating a sanctuary that became home to foxes rescued from fur farms, breeders, and failed pet situations. Many of these animals had no chance of survival in the wild, but under Mikayla's care, they were given the opportunity to heal—physically and emotionally.
Her videos, often filmed with nothing more than a phone, showed moments of quiet connection: a fox napping beside her, nuzzling her face, or leaping playfully in the snow. These glimpses into her world resonated deeply with viewers, many of whom said her compassion helped them through their own challenges.
The Struggles Behind the Scenes
In a heartfelt video, Dubbels shared that Mikayla had faced months of emotional strain, stemming not from online trolls but from people she had once trusted deeply. He described a pattern of subtle exclusion, broken relationships, and what he called "relentless bullying" from individuals within her personal circle.
'She was slowly worn down,' he said. 'It wasn't one big thing. It was a series of small things—people pulling away, withholding kindness, or turning their backs on her when she needed support the most.'
He noted that while Mikayla had not been formally diagnosed with a mental illness, he and others had noticed changes: she slept less, laughed less, and became increasingly withdrawn in the months leading to her death.
An Outpouring of Grief and Support
Following news of her death, tributes flooded social media. Fans described Mikayla as gentle, empathetic, and deeply committed to her mission. Many shared stories of how her fox sanctuary—and her quiet strength—had helped them cope with their own loneliness, depression, or anxiety.
'She made me feel like the world still had safe spaces,' one follower wrote. Others praised her for giving a voice not just to animals, but to people who often feel overlooked or invisible.
Reflecting on Creator Culture
Beyond the mourning, Mikayla's story has sparked deeper conversations about mental health in the digital age—especially among creators and activists. Some supporters have pointed to the isolating effects of interpersonal conflict in tight-knit communities, the unspoken pressures of maintaining a public image, and how emotional harm doesn't always look like hate—it can come quietly, from silence or exclusion.
Continuing Her Legacy
Despite the loss, SaveAFox remains operational. Dakota Dubbels, alongside a core team of volunteers, has taken over daily care and operations, committed to continuing Mikayla's work.
"She gave everything to this place," he said. "And we're going to honour her by protecting it, growing it, and making sure her mission lives on."
Plans are underway for a public memorial and fundraiser to support the sanctuary and raise awareness for mental health support within the rescue and content creator communities.
A Deeper Conversation
Mikayla Raines' death is more than the loss of a beloved rescuer. It serves as a reminder of the quiet burdens people may carry, even while doing meaningful work. Her life was full of care, but her story also reveals how vital it is to check in, to offer genuine kindness, and to protect those around us from the invisible weights they may be carrying.
If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out. You are not alone.
Mikayla Raines, 29, died by suicide at her home in Minnesota on 17 June. Her husband, Dakota Dubbels, announced the tragic news days later, sharing it with the community she built online.
Raines was the founder of SaveAFox, an animal sanctuary dedicated to caring for rescued foxes. Her passing has stunned supporters, many of whom had followed her quiet mission for years.
What Led Up to Her Death
According to Dubbels, Raines had been suffering privately after enduring what he described as 'relentless bullying' from people she once considered friends. 'It wasn't internet trolls,' he said in a video. 'It was people close to her. People she trusted.'
He didn't mention names, but followers quickly began speculating. Some former associates have since taken their social accounts private, while others have released short statements expressing sympathy but denying involvement. No formal accusations have been made but the emotional weight is clear.
What Made Mikayla So Beloved
Mikayla wasn't just known for viral fox videos. She was a certified wildlife rehabilitator who started SaveAFox in 2017. The sanctuary took in foxes from fur farms, failed pet owners, and breeders. Many of these animals couldn't survive in the wild but under her care, they were given space to heal.
Her videos, often shot with just her phone, showed these foxes playing, resting, or learning to trust again. Nothing fancy. Just honest moments between a woman and the creatures she dedicated her life to. That simplicity resonated. Her authenticity pulled in millions.
What Her Husband Shared After
In the months leading up to her death, Mikayla had grown quieter. Dubbels said she hadn't been diagnosed with a mental illness, but her behavior had changed. She slept less, laughed less, and confided even less.
He said the pressure from behind-the-scenes drama was what weighed on her most not public criticism, but subtle isolation from people she thought were family. 'It wore her down slowly,' he explained. 'It wasn't one moment. It was a lot of little ones.'
What the Public Is Saying
Since her passing, tributes have poured in across social media. Fans described her as kind, soft-spoken, and driven by something real. Many shared how her work with animals helped them through their own struggles. Some called her a voice for the voiceless not just for foxes, but for people who feel small and overlooked.
Others have taken to social platforms to talk about the darker side of creator culture how interpersonal conflict, jealousy, or exclusion can build silently behind the scenes, until it becomes something heavier than people realize
How SaveAFox Plans to Continue
Despite the loss, SaveAFox is staying open. Dubbels has stepped in, supported by a handful of dedicated volunteers, to keep things running. He's promised to protect what Mikayla built and has already begun planning a public memorial and fundraiser in her honor. 'She gave everything to this place,' he said. 'We're going to keep it alive, no matter what.'
Why Her Death Feels Bigger Than One Story
Mikayla's death has left a gap not just in animal rescue, but in how we think about emotional safety, support, and friendship in online spaces. Her story is a sobering reminder that damage isn't always loud. Sometimes it's quiet, slow, and comes from the people you never expected.
