Overwatch 2 players are paying tribute to YouTuber Mikayla Raines, the founder of SaveAFox, after she took her own life in June.
On June 23, Mikayla’s husband, Ethan Raines, uploaded a video to their YouTube channel explaining that his wife had taken her life after being harassed online.
“They consistently spread ridiculous claims and rumors, and being the sensitive human that she was, Mikayla took it all to heart,” he explained. “It hurt her a lot. For years, she pushed through the pain of people trying to bring her down. But this time, it went too far.”
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At just 20 years old, Mikayla Raines launched SaveAFox Rescue in 2017, an animal rescue nonprofit based in Lakeville, Minnesota. The organization focuses on saving foxes from fur farms and finding them permanent homes and, as per its website, has rescued over 150 foxes.
Instagram: saveafox_rescue
While the internet has been mourning Raines, the Overwatch community was hit hard by her death due to the surprising connection SaveAFox has to the hero shooter.
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Blizzard recorded Mikayla Raines’ foxes for Overwatch 2
Shortly after news of Raines’ death, the Overwatch 2 community had their attention turned to a 2024 Facebook post from SaveAFox.
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“Did you know that in Overwatch 2, Kiriko’s fox spirit features the sounds of your favorite SaveAFox foxes?” they said. “Blizzard brought out a sound crew, set up a bunch of microphones, and recorded the foxes here all night long! They were even nice enough to make a generous donation to help us out.”
The resurgence of this post took the OW2 fandom by storm, with many learning about Mikayla and her story.
“I never even knew the fox voices were recorded at a real fox sanctuary. That’s really cool, although RIP the founder. It’s an awesome thing they did with their short time here on earth,” one commented.
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“Blizzard should create a charm or a skin for Kiriko in her honor. Or do we have a Kiriko specific map? Maybe place a monument?” another suggested.
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“This news hit me like a truck. I didn’t know her foxes voiced the Kitsune, my heart broke even more now. I’d like to think she found peace that the people that pushed her into this decision will never find,” someone else chimed in.
So far, Blizzard has yet to address Raines’ death, and it’s unclear if they plan to add an in-game item as tribute to her.
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If you or somebody you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, you can reach out to the Samaritans (116 123) in the United Kingdom, or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-8255) in the USA. For a list of worldwide hotlines, click here.