CHANDLER, Ariz. — Tragedy Strikes as 3-Year-Old Trigg Kiser Dies After Pool Accident; Community Rallies Around Influencer Emilie Kiser
The Chandler, Arizona community is in mourning following the heartbreaking death of 3-year-old Trigg Kiser, who passed away on May 18, nearly a week after he was found unresponsive in a backyard swimming pool. The tragic accident occurred on May 12 near Gilbert and Riggs roads, and has left a young family—and thousands of supporters across the country—devastated.
Trigg was the son of Emilie Kiser, a popular TikTok creator known for her candid and heartfelt content about motherhood, beauty, and daily life. Emilie has amassed over three million followers, many of whom watched young Trigg grow up in short video clips full of laughter, love, and everyday magic.
The Incident
According to Chandler Fire officials, first responders were dispatched to a home after receiving reports that a toddler had been pulled from a backyard pool. Chandler police were the first to arrive and immediately began administering CPR to the unresponsive child. Chandler firefighters arrived moments later and continued life-saving efforts before transporting Trigg to a nearby hospital.
Trigg was initially taken to Chandler Regional Medical Center and later transferred to Phoenix Children’s Hospital due to the severity of his condition. He remained in critical condition for six days before tragically succumbing to his injuries on the afternoon of May 18.
“Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the child’s family and loved ones during this unimaginable time,” the Chandler Police Department said in an official statement. “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.”
A Mother’s Worst Nightmare
While Emilie Kiser has not yet publicly commented on the loss of her son, support from fans and fellow influencers has flooded her social media pages. Known for her light-hearted and relatable content, Emilie frequently posted about her children, including sweet and funny moments with Trigg. Her online presence made her feel like a friend to many, and her loss feels deeply personal to countless followers.
The Kiser family had recently welcomed a new baby boy, Theodore, just weeks before the accident. The joy of adding to their family has now been met with overwhelming grief, as Emilie and her husband Brady navigate the devastating loss of their firstborn.
Community and Online Support
The news of Trigg’s passing has prompted an outpouring of grief, compassion, and support not only from the Chandler community but from across the country. Fans have shared condolences, prayers, and heartfelt memories of watching Trigg grow through Emilie’s content.
“I didn’t know Trigg personally, but watching him through Emilie’s videos felt like seeing a friend’s child thrive,” wrote one TikTok user. “This is a loss that hits close to home, even from afar.”
Many have organized virtual vigils and shared safety resources in Trigg’s memory, turning their grief into action. A GoFundMe campaign was created by friends of the family to assist with medical and funeral costs, and it quickly gained momentum, demonstrating the incredible reach and impact of Emilie’s community.
A Reminder of Pool Safety
Trigg’s tragic death also underscores the importance of pool safety, especially in Arizona where backyard swimming pools are common. Drowning remains one of the leading causes of death for children under five years old in the United States. Experts urge all families to take extra precautions—install barriers and alarms, ensure constant supervision, and learn CPR.
The Chandler Fire Department emphasized the critical role that early CPR played in giving Trigg a fighting chance and reminded parents to seek CPR training and never leave young children unattended near water—even for a moment.
Remembering Trigg
Though his life was tragically short, Trigg Kiser’s presence touched thousands. Through the lens of his mother’s videos, he was known as a bright, joyful boy with a radiant smile, full of energy and curiosity. From silly dance moments in the kitchen to bedtime giggles, Trigg’s light was evident—and now, it is deeply missed.
As the Kiser family grieves privately, they are surrounded by a global network of love and support. Emilie’s followers have made it clear: Trigg will not be forgotten.
Rest in peace, Trigg. Your light will continue to shine in the hearts of all who knew your name.