Emilie Kiser, a prominent influencer, has shared her heart-wrenching journey of grief following the tragic death of her three-year-old son, Trigg, who drowned in the family’s backyard pool. Trigg passed away in hospital on May 18, 2025, a mere six days after the accident, which has profoundly affected Emilie and her family.
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In an emotional video posted on May 9, 2026, Kiser opened up about the approaching first anniversary of her son’s passing, which, she admitted, came as a surprise to her family. The 27-year-old content creator, who boasts over seven million followers across TikTok and Instagram, detailed her struggle to manage the overwhelming feelings of grief during this difficult time of year.
The incident occurred while Emilie was away from home, leaving her husband Brady, 29, to look after their younger son, Theodore, who is now one year old. Following the devastating loss of Trigg, Emilie had taken an extended break from social media to focus on her mental health, only to recently announce another hiatus would be necessary as she processes her emotions and pays tribute to her late son.
In her candid TikTok, Emilie explained that grief alters one’s perception of time, making it hard for her to realise that almost a year had already passed since the tragedy. She remarked, “When you’re grieving, time doesn’t exist normally anymore. Your time is measured in moments and getting through the next part of your day.” This reflection underscores the profound impact that bereavement can have on a person’s daily life and mental state.
Throughout the video, Emilie expressed gratitude for the supportive messages from her followers, which have helped her navigate this challenging period. However, she also candidly shared the fatigue and emotional drain that accompanies such loss. “The world keeps spinning, and you can’t just stop,” she said, illustrating the struggle to maintain a sense of normalcy amid her overwhelming sorrow.
In the aftermath of Trigg’s death, Emilie sought to protect her family’s privacy by filing a lawsuit to seal the records related to the case. Although police recommended pursuing child abuse charges against Brady, the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office declined to bring any charges in connection with the drowning incident, highlighting the complexities surrounding the case.
As May progresses, Emilie and her family are making plans to spend quality time together, including potential family vacations. She shared, “It just doesn’t matter if we’re home or if we’re away. We always feel like Trigg is with us everywhere we go.” This enduring connection to her son serves as both a source of comfort and a poignant reminder of the love and loss intertwined in their lives.
Acknowledging the emotional toll of the anniversary, Emilie allowed herself to embrace her feelings rather than suppress them, which she deemed crucial in her journey of healing. “This morning I slept in… since then, I’ve honestly just sat on the couch,” she disclosed, indicating that self-care during such challenging times is essential. “I’m just trying to take care of myself today,” she added, highlighting the importance of recognising one’s emotional needs.
Emilie’s updates serve not only as a form of personal catharsis but also resonate with many followers experiencing similar grief. By sharing her journey, she aims to foster a sense of community among those grappling with loss, emphasising the reality that life continues to move forward, even in the face of deep sorrow.
As Emilie prepares to step back from social media once more, she conveyed her appreciation to her followers, saying, “I am so grateful for all of your support… right now, I’m going to be taking a much-needed break and focus on my little family and honouring Trigg.” This heartfelt message underscores her commitment to both healing and cherishing the memory of her beloved son as she navigates the complexities of grief and motherhood.