The tragic incident involving influencer Emilie Kiser’s son, Trigg, unfolded on May 12, 2025, when the three-year-old was found unconscious in the family’s backyard pool in Chandler, Arizona. After initially being pulled from the water, Trigg was administered CPR at the scene before being rushed to Phoenix Children’s Hospital. Sadly, he passed away on May 18. Following the incident, the Chandler Police Department confirmed the ongoing investigation, although they remained tight-lipped about specific details, citing the family’s privacy. The investigation officially closed on June 2.
Many were drawn to the case due to Emilie’s significant social media presence, boasting over a million followers on Instagram and three million on TikTok. She had welcomed Trigg into her family with husband Brady Kiser in July 2021, expressing overwhelming love for her son online. The online community responded with an outpouring of condolences, emphasizing the collective grief felt among her followers. Comments such as, “When one mama cries, we all cry,” resonated deeply within the supportive online atmosphere.
As details of the incident became public, it was revealed that Emilie was not home at the time of the accident. Brady was alone with their two sons, Trigg and the younger Teddy. In search warrant applications, Brady recounted how he lost sight of Trigg for a brief moment while tending to Teddy. In those critical few minutes, Trigg ended up in the pool. Brady jumped in to rescue him and called emergency services. The situation sparked speculation and concern on social media, particularly as Emilie had stopped posting amid the unfolding tragedy.
Despite the initial attention and investigation, the Chandler Police Department did not disclose a cause of death. Emilie has struggled to publicly address her son’s passing; instead, she filed a legal request to maintain confidentiality regarding the details of the incident. In documentation shared, Emily’s emotional turmoil was evident as she dealt with the loss of her young son while trying to support her surviving child, two-month-old Theodore. This legal pursuit highlighted the emotional challenges faced by the family during an incredibly distressing time.
As the investigation progressed, the evidence collected led to a serious development on July 15; the Chandler Police Department recommended that Brady Kiser face a Class 4 felony charge of child abuse. This recommendation came after reviewing video surveillance showing the events leading to the drowning. Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell provided insights into the legal nuances of the case, emphasizing the difference between civil and criminal negligence. She noted that while criminal negligence involves a failure to perceive a substantial risk, not all tragic events warrant criminal charges, underscoring the complexity of the situation.
In conclusion, the case surrounding Trigg’s death highlights a profound emotional struggle for Emilie Kiser and her family, compounded by the scrutiny of social media and legal proceedings. Though the investigation has closed, the ramifications of the incident will endure, raising conversations around safety, parental oversight, and the delicate balance of public and private grief in the digital age. The legal and emotional aspects continue to resonate as the community rallies in support of the Kiser family during such an unfathomable loss.
