Popular TikTok influencer Emilie Kiser has opened up about her family's devastating first Christmas following the tragic drowning of her three-year-old son earlier this year. The 26-year-old mummy blogger, who has 5.1 million followers, described the holiday season as "terrible" as she continues to navigate profound grief.
A Heartbreaking Loss and a Changed Christmas
Emilie Kiser's young son, Trigg, died on May 18, 2024, six days after he was found unresponsive in the family's backyard pool in Arizona. The incident occurred on May 12 when Trigg's father, Brady Kiser, was briefly distracted while caring for their newborn. Police records stated that the toddler playing near the pool was "not uncommon," but on that fateful day, the safety cover was not in place.
In a candid update shared with her followers, Kiser explained why her family chose to forgo a traditional Christmas at home. "I just didn't want to force a normal Christmas because it is not a normal Christmas," she said. "It was, quite frankly, a terrible Christmas for us." Instead, the family, including their nine-month-old son Teddy, embarked on a road trip to California to spend time with relatives.
Navigating Grief and Rumours in the Public Eye
Since returning to social media in September, Kiser has shared only guarded updates about her life and mourning process. Her Christmas Day video, showing her packing for the trip, garnered over five million views and an outpouring of support. In a follow-up five-minute clip, she thanked fans for their "overwhelming amount of sweet messages" and emphasised the importance of family support.
"Truly so grateful for my family this year, even though we were not home for Christmas," Kiser shared. "We just did not want to have a traditional Christmas without Trigg." She described the trip as flexible, depending on how everyone felt each day. Followers were also reassured to see subtle mentions of her husband, Brady, dispelling rumours that their relationship had ended after the tragedy. An insider confirmed to US Weekly that the couple "have been thoughtfully working on their relationship for several months" following the worst tragedy parents can face.
A Vital Plea for Water Safety Awareness
In the wake of the accident, Emilie Kiser has become a vocal advocate for child water safety. Last month, she issued a heartfelt plea to all parents, urging them to install pool fences and take every possible precaution. "Drowning is quick and preventable," she warned, noting it is the leading cause of death for children aged one to four in the United States.
Kiser's safety recommendations include:
- Constant supervision of children near water, stating "No amount of supervision is too much."
- Installing pool fences, nets, or automatic covers as barriers.
- Using pool alarms, extra locks, and self-closing doors leading outside.
- Enrolling children in swim lessons from as young as six months old.
"I know statistically Trigg's drowning won't be the last," Kiser added, expressing her hope that by sharing her story, she can help prevent other families from enduring similar heartbreak.
