YouTube star, animal activist Mikayla Raines's cause of death at age 29 confirmed
Share and Follow

Beloved YouTube star and animal rights activist Mikayla Raines’ cause of death has been confirmed.

The 29-year-old woman, well-known for her dedication to rescuing animals that gained her a devoted audience on social media, has died by suicide, according to confirmation from the Midwest Medical Examiner’s Office. This statement supports what her husband, Ethan Frankamp, initially shared.

Raines hanged herself in the barn on her property in Faribault, Minn., the medical examiner said. She was found dead on June 20, TMZ reported.

Her death was announced in a June 22 Instagram post by her distraught husband.

“She couldn’t bear what she was feeling any longer, and she ended her life,” he said, saying her death is “the biggest loss of my life.”

Ethan Frankamp stated that his wife, who had more than 2.45 million subscribers on YouTube, suffered from an “online bullying campaign.” This harassment reportedly came from both people she knew and individuals associated with “other animal sanctuaries” over the years.

“[Mikayla] felt as if the entire world had turned against her,” Frankamp said, adding that this “hurt her a lot.”

Frankamp said he performed CPR on Mikayla for 15 minutes when he found her lifeless body while he waited for paramedics to arrive.

He added that her young daughter, Freya, was “heartbroken” by her mother’s death.

“To those who drove her to this point, everyone responsible for making her feel this way, I wish — I wish you could see what I saw when I found her, and I wish you had to witness me performing CPR on her for 15 minutes until the first responders arrived,” expressed Frankamp.

“We have suffered a loss that is unimaginable. 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.”

“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,” he added.

Following the news of her death, Frankamp said he “will do whatever I can” to continue the Save A Fox rescue center.

If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts or are experiencing a mental health crisis and live in New York City, you can call 888-NYC-WELL for free and confidential crisis counseling. If you live outside the five boroughs, you can dial 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline or go to SuicidePreventionLifeline.org.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Nicola Peltz 'takes another swipe' at the Beckham family amid feud

Nicola Peltz Allegedly Continues Tensions with the Beckham Family in Ongoing Dispute

On Sunday, Nicola Peltz seemed to take another subtle swipe at her…
'Diff'rent Strokes' actress Melanie Watson has died

Actress Melanie Watson of ‘Diff’rent Strokes’ Fame Passes Away

Melanie Watson, celebrated for her memorable role in the 1980s sitcom “Diff’rent…
FILE - Hoda Abrahim, founder and CEO of,

Empowering Narratives: How ‘Mo’ and ‘Muslim Matchmaker’ Redefine Arab and Muslim American Representation on TV

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Whether it’s through stand-up routines or a heartfelt…
Texas substitute teacher, boyfriend charged in child sexual assault investigation

Texas Educator and Partner Face Charges in Disturbing Child Sexual Assault Case

A former substitute teacher from Texas, along with her boyfriend, faces charges…
Breathtaking Pacific cliff hides deadly secret in rich California city

Discover the Hidden Peril Lurking Beneath a Stunning Pacific Cliff in California’s Elite Enclave

California’s wealthiest suburb, Palos Verdes Estates, is known for its impressive average…
The sky-high apartment building in Southern city  that bucks the trend

Defying Gravity: The Remarkable Sky-High Apartment Tower Transforming Southern City Living

Houston’s skyline, already a testament to architectural ambition, has welcomed a striking…
The Southern city defying America's housing market collapse

Southern City’s Resilient Housing Market Defies National Downturn

Once overshadowed by more prominent Southern cities such as Charleston, Atlanta, and…
The most shocking celebrity splits of 2025

Unbelievable Celebrity Breakups of 2025 That Shook Hollywood

Even the privileged lives of the rich and famous cannot shield them…