YouTube star Mikayla Raines dies by suicide at 29; husband blames online abuse – NBC News

Report on the Passing of Animal Rescue Activist Mikayla Raines and Its Relation to Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction

Mikayla Raines, a prominent animal rescue activist and YouTube personality, tragically died by suicide at the age of 29. This report highlights her life, advocacy work, and the broader implications related to mental health and animal welfare within the framework of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Background and Advocacy Work

In 2017, at the age of 20, Mikayla Raines founded SaveAFox Rescue, a nonprofit organization based in Lakeville, Minnesota, dedicated to rescuing foxes from fur farms and providing them with permanent homes. The organization has successfully saved over 150 foxes to date.

• Established SaveAFox Rescue in 2017
• Rescued more than 150 foxes
• Built a social media following exceeding 2.4 million on YouTube and hundreds of thousands on other platforms

Mental Health Challenges and Online Criticism

Mikayla’s husband, Ethan Raines, revealed that she struggled for years with mental health issues exacerbated by online negativity and criticism. Despite her selfless dedication to animal welfare, the emotional toll became overwhelming.

1. Experienced prolonged mental health challenges
2. Faced significant online harassment and criticism
3. Ultimately succumbed to the emotional distress leading to her suicide

Impact on Sustainable Development Goals

Mikayla Raines’ life and work intersect with several SDGs, notably:

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – Her struggle underscores the critical need for mental health awareness, support, and crisis intervention.
• SDG 15: Life on Land – Her animal rescue efforts contributed to the protection and welfare of wildlife, promoting biodiversity and ethical treatment of animals.
• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – Through social media and community engagement, she fostered partnerships and raised awareness globally.

Call to Action and Continuing Legacy

Following Mikayla’s passing, Ethan Raines has committed to continuing her mission and advocacy work. He urges individuals facing feelings of hopelessness to seek help and encourages communities to support those struggling with mental health challenges.

• Encouragement to reach out to friends, family, or crisis hotlines
• Emphasis on proactive intervention for loved ones in distress
• Commitment to uphold Mikayla’s mission through SaveAFox Rescue

Support Resources

In line with SDG 3, the following resources are available for individuals in crisis:

• Call 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
• Call 800-273-8255 (National Suicide Prevention Lifeline)
• Text HOME to 741741
• Visit SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources for additional support

Conclusion

The loss of Mikayla Raines highlights the intersection of mental health challenges and the importance of sustainable animal welfare initiatives. Her legacy continues to inspire efforts aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals, emphasizing the need for compassion, support, and proactive engagement in both human well-being and environmental stewardship.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • The article discusses mental health struggles and suicide, directly relating to ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all ages.
2. SDG 15: Life on Land
   • Mikayla Raines’ work in animal rescue, specifically saving foxes from fur farms, relates to the protection, restoration, and promotion of sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems and wildlife conservation.
3. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
   • The article touches on the impact of online criticism and negativity, implying the need for peaceful and inclusive societies and protection against abuse and violence.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs

1. SDG 3 Targets:
   • Target 3.4: By 2030, reduce by one third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being.
   • Target 3.5: Strengthen the prevention and treatment of substance abuse, including narcotic drug abuse and harmful use of alcohol (implied in mental health context).
2. SDG 15 Targets:
   • Target 15.1: Ensure the conservation, restoration and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services, in particular forests, wetlands, mountains and drylands.
   • Target 15.7: Take urgent action to end poaching and trafficking of protected species of flora and fauna and address both demand and supply of illegal wildlife products.
3. SDG 16 Targets:
   • Target 16.1: Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere (including online harassment and abuse).
   • Target 16.10: Ensure public access to information and protect fundamental freedoms, including protection from online abuse and harassment.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. For SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being):
   • Suicide mortality rate (implied by the discussion of suicide and mental health struggles).
   • Prevalence of mental health disorders and access to mental health services (implied by mention of mental health issues and crisis hotlines).
   • Number of people reached by mental health awareness and support campaigns (implied by the call to action encouraging people to seek help and support).
2. For SDG 15 (Life on Land):
   • Number of rescued and rehabilitated wild animals (explicitly mentioned: over 150 foxes rescued by SaveAFox Rescue).
   • Status of wildlife populations and reduction in poaching or trafficking incidents (implied by the rescue efforts from fur farms).
3. For SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions):
   • Incidence of online harassment and abuse (implied by the impact of online criticism on Mikayla).
   • Number of interventions or policies to protect individuals from online negativity and abuse (implied by the call for people to act before it’s too late).

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: nbcnews.com