Overview

• Three-year-old Trigg Kiser, son of TikTok influencer Emilie Kiser, died on May 18 after being hospitalized for six days following a backyard pool drowning incident on May 12.
• Chandler Police are investigating the drowning to rule out neglect or abuse, with no citations issued so far and criminal charges deemed unlikely under standard protocols.
• Arizona law mandates 5-foot pool barriers for homes with young children, but the Kisers’ 2000-built home may qualify for exemptions under pre-2012 regulations.
• Emilie Kiser’s large online following has fueled intense parasocial reactions, including grief, blame, and unverified rumors about parental negligence and pool safety measures.
• The tragedy has sparked broader discussions about pool safety, child drowning risks, and the pressures faced by influencers sharing personal lives online.