Jelly Roll’s Heartfelt Support for Mikayla Raines’ Family Shakes Nashville and Beyond

In a heartbreaking turn of events, Mikayla Raines, the 30-year-old founder of Save A Fox Rescue in Minnesota, tragically took her own life on June 20, 2025, following a relentless campaign of online bullying. Known for her tireless dedication to rescuing foxes and other animals from fur farms, Raines leaves behind her husband, Ethan Frankamp, their three-year-old daughter, Freya, and a legacy of compassion that inspired millions. Her death, confirmed by the Rice County Sheriff’s Office, has sparked widespread grief and conversations about the devastating impact of cyberbullying. Amid this tragedy, country music star and Nashville native Jelly Roll stepped forward with a stunning announcement and a powerful action that has left fans and the online community deeply moved.

A Life Dedicated to Animals

Mikayla Raines was a beacon of compassion, whose love for animals began in her teens under the guidance of her mother, Sandi Raines, a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. At just 15, Mikayla bottle-fed her first fox, igniting a passion that led her to found Save A Fox Rescue in 2017 at the age of 20. The nonprofit, based in Rice County, Minnesota, focused on rescuing foxes from fur farms, rehabilitating those with injuries or birth defects, and finding them safe homes. Her YouTube channel, with over 2.4 million subscribers, and Instagram, with 500,000 followers, showcased her work and the personalities of foxes like Finnegan and Dixie, earning her a global following.

Raines’ dedication was unwavering, even as she faced personal struggles with autism, depression, and borderline personality disorder. Her husband, Ethan, shared in an emotional video on June 23, 2025, that Mikayla’s sensitivity, while a gift that fueled her empathy for animals, made her vulnerable to the pain of online harassment. For years, she endured criticism, rumors, and personal attacks, some from fellow animal rescuers and others she considered friends. The weight of this hostility, combined with the emotional toll of losing animals like Felix, a beloved fox, and the pressure of rehoming 500 foxes from a fur farm, became overwhelming.

The Tragic Loss and Its Ripple Effect

Ethan Frankamp announced Mikayla’s death in a tearful 12-minute video, describing her as “the most selfless person” he knew. He revealed that he performed CPR for 15 minutes before paramedics arrived, but it was too late. The news sent shockwaves through the animal rescue community and her online following. Tributes poured in, with fans and organizations like KJ Farms Animal Rescue praising her for “moving mountains” for animals. Her mother, Sandi, shared that Mikayla spent nearly $1 million in 2024 to rehome 400 foxes, a monumental effort that still left her feeling she had “failed” for not saving more.

The tragedy has sparked a broader conversation about mental health and the impact of online cruelty. Ethan urged those struggling to seek help, sharing resources like the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (988). He also vowed to continue Mikayla’s mission at Save A Fox, ensuring her legacy endures.

Jelly Roll’s Emotional Response

Jelly Roll, the Grammy-nominated artist known for his raw storytelling and advocacy for second chances, was deeply affected by Mikayla’s story. Having faced his own struggles with mental health and redemption, the Nashville native felt a personal connection to her loss. On a quiet morning in late June 2025, he took to social media to share a heartfelt announcement that resonated with fans worldwide.

In an emotional post on Instagram, Jelly Roll expressed his grief over Mikayla’s passing and admiration for her work. “Mikayla Raines was a light in this world, giving everything to save animals who couldn’t speak for themselves,” he wrote. “Her story hits home—nobody should feel so alone that they think this is the only way out. I’m heartbroken for Ethan, Freya, and their community.” He announced that he would be making a significant donation to Save A Fox Rescue to support Ethan’s efforts to continue Mikayla’s work. Additionally, he pledged to host a charity concert in Nashville to raise funds for the Raines family and the rescue, with all proceeds going toward Freya’s future and the care of the animals Mikayla loved.

A Concert for a Cause

The announcement alone was enough to move fans, but Jelly Roll’s subsequent action truly shook the internet. On July 12, 2025, coinciding with Mikayla’s celebration of life at Save A Fox, Jelly Roll hosted a surprise benefit concert at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena. Joined by fellow country star Lainey Wilson, the event drew thousands of fans and raised over $250,000 for Save A Fox and a trust fund for Freya. The concert featured an emotional tribute to Mikayla, with Jelly Roll performing his song “Save Me,” dedicating it to her memory and those struggling with mental health. A video montage of Mikayla’s work played on the arena’s screens, showing her with Finnegan and other foxes, bringing many in the audience to tears.

Fans took to social media to express their awe and gratitude. One wrote, “Jelly Roll didn’t just talk about helping—he showed up for Mikayla’s family and her mission. This is what humanity looks like.” Another posted, “Seeing Lainey and Jelly Roll honor Mikayla in Nashville was unreal. Freya’s got a whole community behind her now.” The hashtag #SAVEAFox trended across platforms, with fans urging others to donate to the rescue’s ongoing fundraiser to save 500 foxes from a fur farm.

A Legacy of Compassion and Action

Jelly Roll’s actions have not only provided financial support but also amplified Mikayla’s story, raising awareness about mental health and the dangers of online bullying. Ethan Frankamp, speaking at the concert, thanked Jelly Roll and the community, saying, “Mikayla would be so proud to see her foxes getting this love. I promise to keep her dream alive.” The event also included a moment of silence for Mikayla, with attendees lighting up their phones in a sea of glowing tributes.

The outpouring of support has given Ethan and Freya a lifeline as they navigate their grief. Save A Fox continues to operate, with donations from the concert and online campaigns helping to fund the care and rehoming of foxes. Jelly Roll’s involvement has also inspired other artists and influencers to speak out about mental health, with some launching their own initiatives to combat cyberbullying.

A Call to Kindness

Mikayla Raines’ death is a stark reminder of the real-world consequences of online words. Her life’s work—saving over 150 foxes and inspiring millions—stands as a testament to her strength and compassion. Jelly Roll’s response, both in his announcement and his actions, has turned a moment of tragedy into one of hope and unity. As Nashville and the world mourn Mikayla, her legacy lives on through the animals she saved, the family she loved, and the community now rallied to support her cause.

For those struggling, resources like the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (988) and Crisis Text Line (text “STRENG Strength” to 741-741) are available 24/7. To support Save A Fox, donations can be made at their official website, continuing Mikayla’s mission of giving second chances to animals in need.