TikTok influencer Emilie Kiser is living through every parent’s nightmare after her three-year-old son, Trigg, died following a tragic drowning incident earlier this month.
On May 12, Chandler Police were called to the 26-year-old’s home in Arizona, roughly 25 miles from Phoenix, after reports of a possible drowning.
Officers arrived to find Trigg had fallen into the family’s pool. He suffered multiple injuries before being pulled out of the water.
CPR was performed immediately, and paramedics transported the toddler first to Chandler Regional Hospital, then by air to Phoenix Children’s Hospital, where he tragically died six days later, on May 18.
Kiser’s legal team released a public statement as part of a new lawsuit filed on May 27 against Maricopa County public offices.
The statement (via Rolling Stone) described the death as a “heartbreaking accidental drowning” and shared a glimpse into the influencer’s overwhelming grief.
"Emilie is going through a parent’s worst nightmare right now," the lawsuit states. "She lost her young son."
It continued: "Emilie is trying her best to be there for her surviving son, two-month-old Theodore. But every day is a battle."
The couple—Kiser and her husband Brady Chapman—welcomed baby Theodore, nicknamed Teddy, just this past March.
Privacy battle following son’s death
The lawsuit also reveals Kiser's request to stop the release of any further details surrounding Trigg’s death, calling it a “profound invasion of privacy.”
NBC News reports that the Maricopa County Office of the Medical Examiner responded by stating it "worked with the family to place a seal on the record" once they learned that "the family was pursuing a court order to prevent the release of these records."
Police response
Chandler Police issued a statement acknowledging the tragedy, stating per NBC10 Philadelphia: "Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the child's family and loved ones during this unimaginable time.
"The investigation into the circumstances surrounding this incident remains ongoing. This is still an open investigation.
"Out of respect for the family’s privacy, we will not be releasing additional details until the investigation is closed."
Trigg’s life and family legacy
Trigg frequently appeared in Kiser’s videos, which focus on parenting, lifestyle, and family life. The family has built a following of 3.3 million TikTok fans since she began posting.
Following the birth of her youngest son, Kiser shared a heartfelt post with fans: "There’s no word to describe finally meeting Teddy and finally getting to analyze every part of him and how perfect he is. I’d do it all over again solely for the moment of Brady holding up our baby and announcing him to me."
She added: "More to come. We have been soaking up every second as a family of FOUR."