5 Heartbreaking Stories of Loss This Week: 8 Dead in Lake Tahoe Boating Accident, YouTuber Takes Her Own Life, and More

• Youtuber and fox rescuer Mikayla Raines died by suicide.
• A God-fearing teen tragically passed away outside a church just days before her 16th birthday.
• A 40-year-old influencer and her partner tragically died at a California parking lot.
• Six-year-old twin girls died in a violent storm — their mom's devastating cry had been revealed.
• All 8 victims, including a DoorDash executive and his parents, who were killed while celebrating a birthday party on Lake Tahoe, have been identified.

This week's digest highlights five deeply heartbreaking stories that have left families and communities reeling. From freak accidents and tragic weather events to personal loss and silent battles with mental health, each case serves as a sobering reminder of how precious life is and how fragile it can be.

1.

Why Did Youtuber and Save A Fox Founder Mikayla Raines Take Her Own Life?

Ethan announced the death of his wife, Mikayla Raines, the Save a Fox Founder, in an emotional video. The almost 12-minute footage was posted on social media on June 23, 2025.

In the clip, Ethan appeared heartbroken as he began speaking through visible pain. "This is a video I never planned on making, and it's completely devastating having to sit down and write this out. But a couple of days ago, Mikayla Raines passed away," he said.

Fighting back tears, Ethan explained that this was the most painful and difficult time of his life and asked viewers to be patient as he tried to read through his emotions.

He spoke about the YouTuber's nature and the weight she carried inside. "She was so sensitive to everything, which is a double-edged sword — on one hand it allowed her endless empathy for those in her care, but it also means that she took everything negative to heart," he shared.

Ethan further explained that for years, certain individuals — including some from other animal sanctuaries — tried to damage Mikayla's name and the rescue she built. Though their harsh words and false stories deeply hurt her, she kept going.

The pain from these attacks stayed with her, but she kept trying to move forward, even when it was hard. Alongside that, Mikayla, who also battled depression, lived with borderline personality disorder, which brought emotional ups and downs, along with impulsive behaviors that made her struggles even heavier.

Ethan added, "But this time, it went too far. She couldn't bear what she was feeling any longer, and she ended her life. It breaks my heart that someone who was selfless and devoted her life to animals could have so much negativity pointed at her."

The sorrow surrounding Mikayla's passing continued to spread, touching many who had followed her journey and admired her work with animals.

Following the heartbreaking announcement, emotional messages filled the comment section of Ethan's video. One person wrote, "I couldn't believe this when I saw it. I thought it was something symbolic and not literal. I’m still in utter shock. Thank you for your gift of life to the animals and doing all you did and still do in spirit. Let her live on in our actions."

Another person shared, "This is so unbelievably devastating. I'm so sorry for you and your family's loss, and for all the animals who lost their champion."

Messages of comfort and admiration flowed in as more people reacted to the painful news. One person shared how deeply sorry they were for the loss and said Mikayla had done more in her short life than a thousand others could.

They praised her for saving countless animals and mentioned that many people around the world were proud of her and were sending support. Another individual spoke about the rescue community losing someone truly special.

They called Mikayla a driven soul and acknowledged the strength it must have taken for Ethan to share such heartbreaking news. Alongside the many messages of love, Mikayla's own words shared on her website gave a glimpse into how her journey began.

She said her love for animals had always been strong, but everything changed at 15 after meeting her first fox while volunteering with a wildlife rehabber. Though Mikayla never expected to start a rescue or care for many foxes, things shifted in 2015 when she was given a captive-born red fox to raise.

Naming her Farrah Foxett, she felt her world open in new ways. Her eagerness to share Farrah's life led her to discover fur farms — something she hadn't known existed in the U.S. Saving three fox pups from one of these farms marked the beginning of her rescue journey.

Though the animal lover had once studied to be a vet tech, she chose to leave college so she could save foxes full-time. Choosing to step away from college was only the beginning for Mikayla, who poured everything into rescuing foxes and changing their fate.

Her efforts left a lasting mark, and the sadness following her passing was deeply felt across the animal care community. In a heartfelt Facebook post, someone from For Fox Sake Wildlife Rescue spoke about the deep loss felt in the animal care world. The post described Mikayla as someone deeply committed to saving animals, especially foxes.

Though they weren't close, their paths crossed often, and they had many mutual friends. About a year ago, Mikayla was given a chance to close a fur farm and rescue 500 foxes. The cages were offered at a low cost, and the animals would be free.

She worked hard to find homes and medical care for them. But many of the foxes, scared of people, were hard to place. While some went to zoos and sanctuaries, many remained with Mikayla, who didn't have enough space or support to care for them all.

The tribute continued with a message of support for those grieving her loss, "To all who knew Mikayla, please accept our deepest, most heartfelt condolences for your unimaginable loss. We at For Fox Sake are thinking of you in this difficult time and here for you."

Just a day before the heartbreaking news, a video shared on Mikayla's Instagram showed a moment of joy. She had brought home a lemur and looked joyful as she fed it in the kitchen, with Ethan capturing the moment on camera. In another clip, she gently patted the animal in the bedroom, then clapped with a smile on her face.

Away from the camera, Mikayla was also guiding her daughter, Freya, to understand and respect wildlife. She often mentioned that people asked if foxes could be around children, but it wasn't easy to answer. Many kids, she explained, weren't taught how to treat animals gently.

However, her child grew up knowing how to be calm, listen, and keep her distance when needed. She learned that not every animal enjoys touch, and some might bite or scratch.

Mikayla dedicated her life to saving animals and teaching others to respect them, even while carrying a silent pain. Her legacy lives on through her rescue work, her daughter, and the many lives she touched.

2.

What Happened to Aleia Kuhn, 15, Outside a Church That Cost Her Life?

Aleia Kuhn, 15, sadly lost her life in an accident that occurred during a youth event on June 18, 2025. The sorrow felt by those close to Aleia runs deep, especially for her mother, Amanda Schroeder-Kuhn.

Amanda poured out her heart in a Facebook post, calling Aleia her "sweetest baby girl" and "forever angel." She asked for prayers for herself and Christopher Kuhn as they face a pain no parent should ever know. She also mentioned Corben and Colter, asking others to keep them close in thought.

Aleia, whom she described as her "backbone and heart," was deeply loved. Amanda admitted she wasn't ready to let her go:

"She was too good for this earth but I'm too selfish to not want her back."

Aleia's strong faith was clear to everyone, and Amanda shared that while her daughter showed love for Jesus every day, she wasn't prepared for Him to take her so soon.

She also asked for support for their entire family and made a special mention of Carter Spence, whom Amanda described as the love of Aleia's life. She closed with gratitude for the outpouring of love and said they would share funeral details once arranged.

As messages of comfort and care continued to surround the family, one tribute offered a final glimpse into the deep love felt for Aleia, who died outside Philippi Baptist Church:

"Aleia's life was short, but her impact was immeasurable. And though our selfishness wants her back, we know that if she had the choice, she wouldn't come back. Heaven is too beautiful, and her joy there is complete. We will see her again."

Those words captured the depth of their loss, and Aleia's father also shared a heartfelt message. Alongside a sweet photo of the two smiling together, he wrote:

"I hear your voice continuously! I hear you saying 'I love you daddy.' I will for the rest of my life!"

Christopher called Aleia his "beautiful sweet God fearing [sic] daughter," adding that when others looked at her, they saw Jesus. He honored her devotion to her faith, noting that she never strayed from her path, no matter what others said. In his tribute, he called her his own and shared how proud he had always been of her.

Through his words, his heartbreak showed as he spoke of missing her deeply, holding onto strong faith, and longing for the day he could embrace her again.

Christopher's tribute was one of many, as others remembered how Aleia lived with warmth and purpose. Only 34 days away from turning 16, she was celebrated for her kind nature, steady faith, and cheerful spirit. Whether in school or on the volleyball court, she stood out by the way she cared and gave her best.

Born on July 23, 2009, in Stockbridge, Georgia, Aleia was getting ready to start 11th grade at Skipstone Academy in Griffin. She was doing well in her studies and had many friends.

Aleia's life in school was full of promise. Away from the classroom, those who knew her shared messages that spoke to the lasting impact she made on their hearts.

Kelsey Kuhn called her "a perfect angel" who loved God deeply. She said Aleia enjoyed simple joys like Chick-fil-A, TikTok, and books, and described her as too sweet for this world. To their big family, she was one of the youngest, and her loss left a deep ache.

Alongside Kelsey's tribute, Cheryl Parker Kuhn shared her own memories of Aleia. She recalled a joyful girl full of light who often ran across the pasture for sleepovers. Aleia was smart, kind, and had a special bond with her family — especially when babies were around.

Cheryl said Aleia's faith stood above all and believed she wouldn't choose to return from Heaven. She ended with love, saying she hoped to see Aleia again someday.

Meanwhile, Kali Hammond left a short but heartfelt message, writing, "Fly high Aleia Kuhn. Keep shining down on us." She ended by saying Aleia is gone but will never be forgotten.

Aleia's life, though brief, left a lasting mark on everyone who knew her. Through faith, love, and joyful memories, her light continues to shine in the hearts of those she touched.

3.

How Did 40-Year-Old Influencer Gloria Zamora and Her Partner Die at a Parking Lot?

A Saturday night dinner outing ended in tragedy after a 40-year-old woman and her companion were gunned down in the parking lot of a shopping plaza on Summit Avenue in Fontana, California. Both victims later died from their injuries.

According to the Fontana Police Department, officers arrived at the shopping center around 9:30 p.m. on June 21 following reports of a shooting. Authorities found two victims, Gloria Zamora and Hector Garduno, both critically wounded in front of a sushi restaurant.

Investigators believe Zamora and Garduno were ambushed by Zamora's estranged husband, who had somehow discovered her whereabouts. The suspect, 45-year-old Thomas Alberto Tamayo Lizarraga, was then shot and killed by an off-duty sheriff's deputy who heard the gunfire and responded immediately.

"We don't know how he knew where she was at," said Officer Steve Reed, "but apparently, she had been at the restaurant for approximately an hour prior to the shooting."

The identity of the deputy who shot the murder suspect has not been released. Officials say that they are still working to determine how Lizarraga located Zamora that night.

Zamora was a public figure whose online presence focused on self-worth and health. In a recent podcast appearance, she shared that she dealt with a lot of mental pressure as her marriage to Lizarraga broke down.

"My whole second marriage started falling apart because, obviously, I'm like dedicating time into fitness and trying to grow something," she said during Episode 19 of the Herizon podcast. "People started getting insecure and not allowing me to thrive... So I felt like that person was just holding me back, and, you know, I decided to end my second marriage."

Zamora leaves behind seven children ranging in age from 8 to 24. Her daughter, Jazlynne, launched a GoFundMe campaign to help with funeral costs and support her siblings. They have raised more than $32,000.

"My mom was more than just a mother — she was a light in her community," Jazlynne wrote. "She uplifted and inspired countless women, reminding them of their worth, their strength, and their potential."

Garduno, 43, was described by family members as a devoted father of four girls. A separate GoFundMe campaign launched in his honor raised over $9,000 as of June 25.

"He lived life with strength and did everything he could for his four daughters and family," his relatives wrote. "His passing has left a hole in our hearts and a void in our lives that can never be filled."

Both fundraisers remain active.

4.

What Were the Grieving Mother's Devastating Words When Her Twin Daughters Died During a Violent Storm?

In the early morning hours of Sunday, June 22, 2025, a violent tornado struck the hamlet of Clark Mills in Oneida County, New York. Among the storm's three fatalities were six-year-old twin sisters, Emily and Kenni Bisson.

They were inside their home on Hoyland Avenue with their mother, Kayleigh Bisson, when the EF-1 tornado touched down at approximately 3:58 a.m., according to the Oneida County Sheriff's Office and the National Weather Service.

Deputies were dispatched around 4 a.m. following multiple reports of trees falling onto homes. One of those calls came from a neighbor who reported that a woman had become trapped inside her home after the roof collapsed and she couldn't locate her daughters.

The tornado, which brought peak winds of 105 mph, carved a 2.43-mile path, 300 yards wide, through Oneida County. It left widespread devastation across the small community of Clark Mills, a hamlet of about 1,600 residents in the Town of Kirkland. In just a few minutes, it uprooted trees, tore apart structures, and downed utility poles.

One of those trees, a massive maple with twin trunks nearly three feet in diameter, collapsed onto the Bisson family's rental home, crashing through the roof and second story before landing on the first floor, where Kayleigh and her daughters were located.

Kayleigh was temporarily trapped beneath the roof after it collapsed. Neighbor Jared Bowman, who lived next door, said he ran to help her escape. "She was yelling, 'Get my kids out!'" he recalled. "But there was no noise. It felt very eerie and bad."

Another neighbor, Rick Carollo, a member of the Clark Mills Fire Department, said he was awakened by the storm, which he described as sounding like a freight train. He received an emergency alert on his phone directing him to the scene.

"I found the mother in the front window," he said. "I had to climb a tree to get her out." When authorities arrived and began searching through the wreckage, they discovered the two girls inside and pronounced them dead at the scene.

The girls were not the only victims of the storm. In a separate incident nearby, 50-year-old Shelly Johnson died when a tree crashed through her home on Millstream Court while she lay in bed. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

Back at Clinton Elementary School, where Emily and Kenni were first-grade students, the loss was deeply felt. In a statement shared with the school community, Superintendent Christopher Clancy confirmed their deaths, writing, "Our hearts are with all of the families and loved ones affected by this tragedy."

Additionally, the school was canceled on Monday, and counselors were made available for students who were beginning on Tuesday.

The Bisson family had moved into the rental home only a few months earlier. A GoFundMe campaign created to support Kayleigh described her as a single mother who "lost everything—children, house, clothing, and memories." As of Wednesday, June 25, the campaign had raised more than $308,000.

The girls, according to the page, were active in softball, soccer, dance, and gymnastics. They were also known throughout their town for their joy and creativity. "They walked through life smiling, dancing, and belly laughs that lasted for days," the description read.

The tornado, confirmed by the National Weather Service in Binghamton, was part of a larger line of severe thunderstorms that moved through the region. Governor Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency in 32 counties, citing not only the storm's damage but also a forecast of extreme heat in the days to follow.

In nearby Vienna, also in Oneida County, a tree fell onto a camper around 4:17 a.m. the same morning, seriously injuring two people who were trapped inside. They were rescued by the Vienna Fire Department and transported to Upstate University Hospital in Syracuse.

The emergency response included the Clark Mills Fire Department, New York State Police, the Town of Kirkland Police Department, and several fire departments and public service agencies. A local senior center opened its doors to assist residents affected by the storm.

Emergency crews continued clearing debris as muddy water streamed through streets and the sound of chainsaws echoed throughout the hamlet. The Sheriff's Office expressed condolences, stating, "[We] would like to express our deepest condolences to the families involved, during this difficult time."

5.

Who Were the 8 Victims in the Tragic Lake Tahoe Boating Accident?

The El Dorado County Sheriff's Office (EDSO) announced the identities of the victims on June 24, 2025, following several days of coordinated recovery operations involving multiple agencies.

According to EDSO, the five of the victims were from California: Joshua Antony Pickles, 37, a DoorDash executive from San Francisco; his parents, Paula Bozinovich, 71, and Terry Pickles, 73, both of Redwood City; Peter Bayes, 72, of Lincoln; and Timothy O'Leary, 71, of Auburn.

The remaining three victims were from New York: Theresa Giullari, 66, and James Guck, 69, both of Honeoye, and Stephen Lindsay, 63, of Springwater.

As reported by KTVU Fox 2, about ten people were on board at the time. The group had reportedly gathered at Lake Tahoe for a birthday celebration and was riding a 27-foot Chris-Craft vessel owned by Pickles. The boat capsized near D.L. Bliss State Park during a sudden summer storm on Saturday, June 21.

According to ABC7 News, emergency calls came in around 5 p.m. as waves on the lake reached 8 to 10 feet. Two people on board survived, but their conditions were unknown.

EDSO later confirmed that the last missing individual was recovered from the lake on June 23 at 2:40 p.m., officially bringing the search and recovery effort to a close.

In the days that followed, families and colleagues began to share memories of the lives lost.

Pickles's wife, Jordan Sugar-Carlsgaard, who had remained on shore with their 7-month-old daughter at the time of the incident, shared her grief, "We are devastated by this tragedy. No words can express the pain and anguish we feel knowing their lives were lost during what was meant to be a joyful time on the lake."

DoorDash's Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Ravi Inukonda reflected on Joshua's lasting influence at the company, highlighting his nearly seven-year tenure and the spirit he brought to his team.

He said Joshua "was an inspiration to everyone who had the privilege of knowing him" and described the loss as "immeasurable." The CFO added, "We miss him deeply and will carry his memory with us always," and emphasized the company's continued support for Joshua's wife, daughter, and family.

Other victims are also being remembered. O'Leary, a retired plumber and pipefitter, was honored by Local 467. Mark Burri, the union's business director, described him as "the kind of guy who could fix anything. He had a deep love for the outdoors. and [sic] above all was a devoted family man."

Lindsay's sister, Diane, expressed her family's heartbreak in a Facebook post, describing the deep grief they are experiencing after the tragedy. She remembered her brother as an extraordinary person and said his loss had left a void that could not be filled.

The Sheriff's Office extended its condolences to the victims' families and thanked the numerous agencies involved in the response, including the U.S. Coast Guard, California State Parks, and local fire and law enforcement departments.

Before officials released the victims' names or completed recovery operations, video footage and witness accounts from the day of the incident captured the chaos that unfolded on the lake.

If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), text "help" to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741, or go to suicidepreventionlifeline.org.