Grief often moves in waves, but for Ethan Frankamp, the sorrow is raw, immediate, and deeply personal. Just days after the tragic loss of his wife, Mikayla Raines, who died by suicide at the age of 29, Ethan opened up in a video that tugged at the hearts of thousands. Shared on the Instagram Stories of Save a Fox Rescue, the short clip shows him walking Finnegan, Mikayla’s cherished rescue fox.
The late-night walk is more than a ritual; it’s a symbol of love, loss, and a vow to honor the woman who dedicated her life to animal rescue. As the night wrapped around him and Finnegan strolled beside him, Ethan’s voice cracked with emotion, yet he remained steadfast in his mission to keep Mikayla’s legacy alive.
In the video, Ethan described how Mikayla had always insisted on taking Finnegan for a walk, regardless of how their day had gone. “One thing Mikayla would always insist on, no matter how long or terrible our day was or how exhausted we were, we always had to take Finnegan for a walk,” he shared.
His words painted a picture of devotion—not only to the animals she rescued, but to the small acts of care that formed the foundation of her life’s work. Whether after 18-hour workdays or during freezing weather, Finnegan’s walk was never missed. That unwavering commitment has now been passed down to Ethan, who admits that though he didn’t feel up to it, he pushed through the heartache.
While holding the leash in one hand and filming with the other, Ethan showed the grassy path where he walked with Finnegan. With tears in his voice, he confessed, “I really didn’t feel like doing this tonight, but I feel bad for Finnegan and I didn’t want to do her a disservice by just… I mean, he loves his walks.
He waits at the gate for his walks. So I came out and I put a collar on him, and I think he’s really happy to be out here.” His tone, filled with grief and determination, underscored the deep emotional connection Mikayla had with her animals and how Ethan now feels the weight of that responsibility.
Over a separate clip showing Finnegan walking calmly on a cement path, Ethan continued sharing his thoughts. He quietly hoped that Mikayla was still watching over them. “I hope Mikayla can see this, and I hope she’s proud of me,” he said, his words aching with longing and love.
It’s clear he doesn’t see himself as her replacement in the rescue mission but rather as someone doing his best to carry forward a piece of her world. “I know that I can never do what Mikayla does but at least I can do this, and I think it’s really good for him,” he added, referring again to Finnegan and the healing comfort found in small acts of kindness.
This touching update marked Ethan’s first public appearance since announcing Mikayla’s death. On Monday, June 23, he revealed in a heartbreaking Instagram video that he had discovered his wife unresponsive. He immediately performed CPR for 15 minutes while waiting for first responders to arrive.
Through tears, he explained, “She couldn’t bear what she was feeling any longer, and she ended her life.” The pain in his voice captured the depth of his grief, as he called her death “the biggest loss of my life.” His message was painfully honest and deeply human, offering a rare glimpse into the personal tragedy behind the headlines.
Ethan also spoke candidly about the events leading up to Mikayla’s death. He claimed she had endured years of online bullying, even from individuals she once trusted. According to Ethan, Mikayla and her non-profit organization, Save a Fox Rescue—which she founded in 2017—became targets of coordinated harassment. Some of those involved, he said, were associated with other animal sanctuaries.
The pain intensified recently when people she had once considered close friends began participating in the harassment. “She felt as if the entire world had turned against her,” he revealed. “She couldn’t bear what she was feeling any longer. And she ended her life. And it breaks my heart that someone who is selfless and devoted her life to animals could have so much negativity pointed at her.”
Before ending his video, Ethan issued a heartfelt message to others who might be struggling. He encouraged anyone feeling “lost and hopeless” to reach out to someone. His plea was clear and filled with empathy. There was no judgment—only compassion from someone who knows how devastating silence can be.
Ethan then vowed to honor Mikayla’s life’s work. “We have suffered a loss that is unimaginable,” he said with quiet strength. “But I will continue her dream, and I hope to have your support going forward so that we can do good in her name.”
The grief shared in Ethan’s video is undeniable, but so is the hope. Hope that Mikayla’s work will endure. Hope that Finnegan, and all the foxes she loved, will continue to receive the care they deserve. And perhaps most importantly, hope that speaking out about pain can help others find their way through the darkness.
