Mikayla Raines | Source: Getty Images
Medical Examiner Confirms Youtuber Mikayla Raines's Cause of Death — Details
Jul 16, 2025 - 08:47 A.M.
The wildlife rehabilitator’s autopsy results were released just weeks after her husband tearfully announced her devastating death in a social media video.
The Midwest Medical Examiner's Office reportedly confirmed that 29-year-old YouTube star and animal activist, Mikayla Raines, died by suicide.
Mikayla is said to have taken her own life by hanging herself in a barn at her home in Faribault, Minnesota. Her body was found on June 20, 2025.
Days later, the influencer's husband, Ethan Raines, tearfully announced her death by suicide on June 23 in an emotional video on social media. He expressed that this was the most "hurtful" and "difficult" time in his life as he read through a note he had written about his wife.
Ethan said the fox rescue activist, who devoted her love to animals, also managed to love him. Their bond together was unlike anything he had experienced before. That said, half of him is missing.
"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," Ethan, who noted that he gave Mikayla all of his love and energy, captioned the Instagram post.
If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), text "help" to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741, or go to suicidepreventionlifeline.org.
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is 1-800-273-8255. Other international suicide helplines can be found at befrienders.org.
