Fact Check: "Mikayla Raines had 4 million followers on YouTube before her death."
What We Know
Mikayla Raines was a prominent wildlife rehabilitator and YouTuber known for her work with foxes and for founding the nonprofit organization SaveAFox Rescue. She gained significant attention on social media, particularly on YouTube and Instagram. At the time of her death on June 21, 2025, Raines had approximately 2.4 million subscribers on YouTube and over 500,000 followers on Instagram. Her death was attributed to suicide, which her husband linked to severe online harassment she faced from various individuals, including those she considered friends.
Analysis
The claim that Mikayla Raines had 4 million followers on YouTube before her death is false. The evidence indicates that her subscriber count was significantly lower, at around 2.4 million at the time of her passing. This discrepancy is crucial, as it highlights the importance of accurate reporting in the context of her tragic death and the discussions surrounding mental health and cyberbullying.
The sources used to verify this information are credible and well-documented. The Wikipedia entry on Raines provides a comprehensive overview of her life and achievements, including her social media following, while articles from reputable news outlets such as The Daily Beast and NDTV corroborate the subscriber count and detail the circumstances surrounding her death. These sources are reliable as they are based on factual reporting and statements from her husband, who was directly involved in her life and the events leading to her death.
Conclusion
The claim that Mikayla Raines had 4 million followers on YouTube before her death is false. The verified subscriber count was approximately 2.4 million, as documented in multiple credible sources. This misinformation could contribute to misunderstanding the impact of her work and the circumstances surrounding her tragic death.