RIP Trigg Kiser. Credit: Instagram @emiliekiser
Influencer Emilie Kiser’s three-year-old son, Trigg, has sadly died following a drowning incident in the family’s backyard pool on Monday, May 12, Arizona.
After being found unconscious, emergency responders transported Trigg to Chandler Regional Hospital before he was transferred to Phoenix Children’s Hospital in critical condition. Sadly, he passed away on Sunday, May 18.
Trigg’s death was confirmed by the Chandler Police Department, who stated: “Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the child’s family and loved ones during this unimaginable time… The investigation remains open and is ongoing… out of respect for the family’s privacy, we will not be releasing additional details until the investigation is closed.” (Cited by ABC News.)
Emilie Kiser, known for her family and lifestyle content, has over 1.4 million Instagram followers and 3.3 million on TikTok. She and her husband had recently welcomed a new baby boy Theodore, born just seven weeks before the loss of Trigg, who would have turned four on July 14.
Why water safety is paramount: How to protect children from open water
This heartbreaking event highlights a dangerous reality: drowning is the leading cause of death for children aged 1 to 4 in the United States, according to the CDC. It only takes around 20 seconds for a child to drown, and nerve rackingly, it often happens in silence, without splashing or screaming, according to RCH Kids Health.
- Always stay within arm’s reach of young children when they’re near any open water
- Don’t rely on lifeguards or older children to watch them.
- Avoid all distractions (phones, chores, social media) while supervising.
‘Practice constant active supervision – this means focusing your full attention on your child and always keeping your eyes on them’, says RCH Kids Health.
- Fence off home pools and spas with childproof barriers.
- Immediately empty baths, buckets, and inflatable pools after use.
CPR and what to do in a drowning emergency
If a child is pulled from water and isn’t breathing normally, you must act fast.
CPR steps for children: (Read the full instructions at St John Ambulance)
- Dial emergency services and give five rescue breaths.
- Then 30 chest compressions, followed by two more rescue breaths.
- Continue at a 30:2 ratio until help arrives or the child responds.
Use a defibrillator if one becomes available.
Be aware of ‘dry drowning’ and ‘secondary drowning’
These rare but dangerous complications can happen after a child leaves the water:
- Dry drowning: water never reaches the lungs but causes airway spasms.
- Secondary drowning: water enters the lungs and causes fluid build-up.
You’d likely notice your child having trouble breathing right away, and it might get worse over the next 24 hours,’ says WebMD.
Watch for:
- Coughing
- Chest pain
- Unusual tiredness or irritability
- Trouble breathing
Seek emergency care immediately.
A tragic accident like the loss of Trigg Kiser is sadly not isolated. Drowning is fast, often silent, but preventable. With summer approaching, it’s an urgent reminder for families everywhere.
