Emilie Kiser, a 26-year-old TikTok creator and influential figure with over 4 million followers, has publicly addressed the heartbreaking drowning of her 3-year-old son, Trigg, who tragically died in May after falling into the family pool at their Arizona home. In her first emotional statement, Kiser described the grief she and her family are experiencing as “impossible to put into words.” This loss has caught national attention not only due to its tragic nature but also because of Kiser’s substantial online presence as a “mom influencer.”
The incident occurred on May 12 when Trigg, playing in the backyard, fell into the pool after tripping on an inflatable chair. Surveillance footage confirmed that his fall was accidental, and unfortunately, Kiser was not home at the time. His father, Brady Kiser, was taking care of Trigg and their newborn son, but he became distracted, leading to the tragic accident. Despite the immediate response from first responders, Trigg remained on life support for nearly a week, ultimately passing away on May 18.
In her statement, Kiser expressed profound sorrow and took responsibility for the tragic accident, emphasizing that a permanent pool fence could have prevented Trigg’s death. She reflected on this painful lesson, vowing to ensure such a safety measure would never be overlooked again. Kiser’s remarks highlight the complex emotions surrounding parental responsibility, particularly in light of preventable accidents. Her acknowledgement of her son’s role in her life as both her “baby and best friend” underscores the deep bond they shared.
In light of this tragedy, Kiser announced her intention to establish stricter boundaries regarding her family’s privacy online. She recognized that relationships formed through social media often lack transparency and protective measures, especially concerning children. Kiser expressed gratitude for the support received from family, friends, and her online followers during this tough period. She emphasized how vital their love and encouragement have been as her family copes with their loss.
Legal implications arose when the Chandler Police Department recommended a felony child abuse charge against Trigg’s father, Brady Kiser. However, prosecutors ultimately decided the evidence did not meet the threshold for prosecution. On another front, Emilie Kiser has filed a lawsuit aimed at preventing the release of investigative records linked to her son’s death, demonstrating her desire to safeguard her family’s privacy during this challenging time.
Child drownings remain a critical issue in Arizona, particularly for children under the age of five, making Kiser’s story resonant on many levels. In her closing thoughts, Kiser articulated the relentless nature of grief, emphasizing that the only way to navigate through such pain is to persist minute by minute, hour by hour, and day by day. Her heartfelt message highlights the challenges of losing a child, and the ongoing journey of healing faced by families affected by similar tragedies.
