SaveAFox founder Mikayla Raines’ husband keeps her promise after tragic death

Ethan Frankamp, husband of the late Mikayla Raines, founder of the widely-followed SaveAFox Rescue, has shared a touching moment as he honours her memory in the way she would’ve wanted most.

In a recent Instagram Story shared through the SaveAFox account, Frankamp posted a video of himself walking one of Raines’ most beloved rescues, a fox named Finnegan. In the video, Frankamp reflects on how no matter the weather or workload, Mikayla never skipped Finnegan’s walk. “Even after a long, exhausting day, she made sure he got his time outside,” he says softly in the background. “I didn’t really feel up to it today, but I knew I couldn’t let him down. I hope she’s watching and that she’s proud.”

Raines, who built a massive online following for her work rehabilitating foxes through her Minnesota-based nonprofit, passed away recently. Frankamp confirmed her death in an emotional YouTube video on June 23, explaining that his wife had died by suicide.

He revealed that Mikayla had long struggled with online harassment, which intensified in recent months. According to Frankamp, she was deeply affected by targeted negativity and personal attacks from people within and outside the animal rescue community. “She took it to heart,” he said, explaining that the criticism, combined with her mental health challenges, including autism, depression, and borderline personality disorder became too much for her to bear.

“She felt like the world had turned against her,” he shared. The couple share a young daughter, Freya.

Though devastated, Frankamp is doing what he can to carry on Mikayla’s legacy and honour her after her passing.