Mikayla’s journey with wildlife began as a teenager. At age 15, while volunteering under a licensed wildlife rehabilitator, she bottle‑fed her first fox—a moment that ignited a lifelong mission . What began as personal fascination evolved into a nonprofit calling: in 2017, she founded SaveAFox Rescue, a USDA- and DNR-licensed 501(c)(3) facility dedicated to rescuing captive-born, non-releasable foxes from fur farms, private surrenders, and illegal situations .

Under her guidance, SaveAFox saved more than 150 foxes, offering them forever homes and educating the public on their complex needs. In 2023, the organization reported revenue exceeding $1.3 million and served as a social media beacon, drawing nearly 900,000 Facebook followers .

Mikayla’s approach was deeply personal. She didn’t just administer the rescue—she intimately connected with each animal. She bottle‑raised orphaned pups, coordinated veterinary care, managed licensing, and organized fundraisers. Her facility became a network of volunteers, sponsors, and dedicated supporters. Many were drawn to her charismatic leadership: “someone who has done more for foxes than anyone else on the planet” , a tribute echoed throughout the rescue community.

Despite her tireless public outreach and joyful YouTube content, behind the scenes, Mikayla carried an emotional burden that few could see.

Reports indicate Mikayla had been fighting deep emotional pain, exacerbated by a campaign of relentless online harassment and bullying. According to a statement by her husband, Ethan, shared in a widely viewed video, the targeted cruelty took a serious toll . A Reddit user captured the heartbreaking aftermath:

“Just got to YouTube and watched the video. Tears. Lots of tears. … We need more humans like this. Not less.”

Another wrote:

“This makes me so upset that once again, bullying has taken another life. Mikayla was such a wonderful and empathetic human being and the world is poorer at your loss.”

Her death was described as a “devastating loss—not only to the animal rescue community but to all who knew her or followed her work” . Memorials poured in from around the world: supporters donated to her rescue, posted memories of seeing foxes thrive under her care, and celebrated her warmth, resilience, and humor.

On Reddit’s r/foxes, tributes emphasized the personal connection many felt:

“Mikayla was a beautiful person” … “absolutely incredible work and I hope her legacy lives on.”

Mikayla didn’t just rescue animals—she changed minds. She showed that captive foxes are not pets, but beings with intricate behavioral and medical needs. Her advocacy educated tens of thousands via educational tours, online resources, and outreach materials. She pioneered captive-wildlife exhibitor licensing and modeled how humane care and public compassion can coexist.

Her husband, Ethan, and their young daughter Freya are left to carry on her mission. The rescue itself continues to operate under a vacant directorship, supported by dedicated staff and volunteers . Many have pledged to support the rescue’s mission in Mikayla’s memory—donating, sponsoring foxes, and continuing her educational outreach.

Mikayla’s passing is a reminder that even those who inspire and uplift can be silently hurting. As the rescue community mourns, they also speak out against the destructive power of online bullying. Her family hopes her story will prompt reflection and action—to foster kindness, to recognize the signs of mental distress, and to support those in need before it’s too late.