Overwatch players mourn SaveAFox’s Mikayla Raines whose foxes voiced Kiriko’s spirit

by

Players of Overwatch 2 are honoring the memory of Mikayla Raines, a well-known YouTube personality and creator of SaveAFox, following her tragic passing in June.

On June 23rd, Ethan Raines, Mikayla’s husband, posted a video on their YouTube channel detailing that Mikayla had tragically ended her life due to the distress of online harassment.

He clarified that they persistently propagated absurd stories and speculations. Being empathetic by nature, Mikayla found these allegations deeply distressing. For a long period, she endured the emotional turmoil caused by attempts to undermine her. However, this time, it crossed a line.

20-year-old Mikayla Raines initiated SaveAFox Rescue back in 2017, a nonprofit animal rescue group located in Lakeville, Minnesota. This organization primarily dedicates its efforts to rescuing foxes from fur farms and providing them with lasting homes. According to their website, they have successfully rescued more than 150 foxes.

As the internet grieves for Raines, the Overwatch community felt a particularly strong impact from her passing, given the unexpected bond SaveAFox shared with the hero shooter game.

Blizzard recorded Mikayla Raines’ foxes for Overwatch 2

Following the announcement of Raines’ demise, the Overwatch 2 community found themselves drawn towards a 2024 Facebook post by SaveAFox.

Apparently, in Overwatch 2, Kiriko’s fox spirit incorporates the distinctive sounds of various SaveAFox foxes. The team at Blizzard set up recording equipment, captured these foxes’ nocturnal sounds, and were kind enough to make a substantial donation to support your efforts.

The comeback of this post caught the attention of the OW2 community like a whirlwind, as numerous people discovered Mikayla’s tale.

SaveAFox founder Mikayla Raines, passed away at the age of 31. Kiriko’s kitsune spirit is voiced by the foxes of SaveAFox sanctuary.
byu/VolkiharVanHelsing inOverwatch

It came as a surprise that the fox sounds were actually captured in a genuine fox refuge. Quite fascinating! Despite the sadness over the passing of its founder, it’s amazing what they accomplished during their brief time here.

Let’s propose that Blizzard designs a special charm or skin for the character Kiriko as a tribute. Or perhaps there’s already a Kiriko-themed map? It could also be interesting if they erect a monument in her honor within the game.

This news took me by surprise, as if a truck had hit me. I hadn’t realized that the foxes were the voices behind the Kitsune, and now my heart is even more shattered. I can only hope she found solace, a peace that those who drove her to this point will never experience. Another person added their thoughts.

As a devoted fan, I’ve noticed that so far, Blizzard hasn’t spoken about the passing of Raines, and it leaves me wondering if they might consider adding an in-game memorial item in her honor.

If you’re battling with suicidal feelings or if someone you care about is, don’t hesitate to seek help. In the UK, reach out to Samaritans at 116 123. In the USA, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. For a global list of hotlines, you can find them by clicking here.

Read More

2025-06-25 00:48