Emilie Kiser, a well-known influencer, shared an emotional experience with her online followers that she believes was a sign from her late son, Trigg. This revelation came amidst a girls’ trip to New York City with her friend, Brie McKinnon. Kiser lost Trigg nearly a year ago, on May 18, 2025, at the tender age of three, following a tragic drowning incident in the family’s backyard pool.
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During her recent visit to the city, Kiser took to TikTok to connect with her 5.2 million followers through a “Get Ready With Me” video, revealing highlights from her trip. The influencer, aged 27, recounted their adventures, including attending a performance of “The Book of Mormon” and indulging in a delightful meal prior to venturing out to explore the city’s culinary scene. The pair had planned to visit various food hotspots, notably Ralph Lauren’s Ralph’s Coffee and the much-loved Magnolia Bakery.

While navigating the bustling streets, Kiser and her friend took what she described as a “wrong route” en route to their coffee destination. Reflecting on the unexpected detour, she suggested that it might have happened for a reason. As they wandered, they stumbled upon FAO Schwarz, a renowned toy store located in Rockefeller Centre. This discovery sparked poignant memories for Kiser, who recalled having taken a cherished photograph with Trigg outside the store.
“I told Brie, I feel like maybe we passed here for a reason,” Kiser shared, expressing her yearning for the special moments spent in the city with her son. “I wish I was back here with him. That was seriously such a special trip.” As she reminisced, Kiser mentioned that her husband, Brady, often expressed a desire to return to New York with their younger son, Theodore, to recreate the memorable experiences they had with Trigg.
The influencer also spoke about additional signs she felt connected her to her late son during the trip. While boarding the subway, she noticed a vibrant display of colourful tiles depicting parrots in flight — a symbol reminiscent of a beloved parrot stuffed toy that Trigg used to adore. These instances reinforced Kiser’s belief that Trigg was with them in spirit, providing comfort even in his absence.
Trigg’s tragic passing occurred while Emilie was away from home, leaving her husband, Brady, 29, responsible for their younger son, Teddy, who was just one year old at the time. The incident unfolded six days before Trigg’s untimely death at a hospital after he fell into the pool. Kiser has since been vocal about the importance of water safety as May marks Water Safety Awareness Month.
In a previous TikTok post, Kiser articulated her thoughts on speaking out about such a painful topic. “There is no right or wrong way to talk about what happened,” she stated. “This is a topic that I will continue to talk about when I feel comfortable, because it is so extremely hard to talk about.” Kiser emphasised that the circumstances surrounding Trigg’s death were preventable and expressed her dedication to ensuring that other parents are aware of water safety measures.
“I will always take full accountability for that, because as a parent, it is your job to protect your child,” she remarked, underscoring her commitment to raising awareness about water safety. Through her heartfelt messages, Kiser aims to encourage open conversations around this important subject, hoping to prevent similar tragedies from occurring to other families.
The sincere moments shared by Kiser during her trip to New York reflect a mother’s enduring love for her son and her quest to honour his memory. While navigating her grief, she channels her experiences into a commitment to inform and protect others, demonstrating resilience in the wake of profound loss.
