Family Files Lawsuit After Toddler Drowns in Arizona Pool

What Happened

On May 12, 2025, Trigg Kiser, a three-year-old boy, drowned in the backyard pool of his family home in Chandler, Arizona. His father, Brady Kiser, reported to police that he lost sight of Trigg for approximately three to five minutes while he was attending to the couple’s newborn son, Theodore. During this brief period, Trigg fell into the pool, which was reportedly not covered at the time. Brady discovered Trigg floating in the pool and called 911 for assistance. Trigg was taken to the hospital but succumbed to his injuries six days later, on May 18.

In the aftermath of this tragic incident, Emilie Kiser, Trigg’s mother and a social media influencer, filed a lawsuit on May 27 seeking to keep records related to her son’s death private. This includes police reports, 911 calls, and any footage of the incident. Emilie’s legal team argued that the release of such records would intrude upon the family’s dignity and cause unnecessary harm, as they are still grieving the loss of their child.

Key Details

• Incident Date: May 12, 2025
• Child: Trigg Kiser, age 3
• Father’s Statement: Brady Kiser stated he was distracted by their newborn son when Trigg fell into the pool.
• Duration of Distraction: Estimated at three to five minutes.
• Outcome: Trigg was found floating in the pool and died on May 18, 2025.
• Lawsuit Filed: Emilie Kiser filed a lawsuit on May 27 to prevent the release of public records related to Trigg’s death.
• Public Reaction: The incident has sparked discussions about child safety around pools, with some commentators emphasizing the preventability of such tragedies.

Multiple Perspectives

The incident has drawn a range of responses from the public and media. Some commentators have expressed sympathy for the Kiser family, recognizing the profound grief associated with losing a child. For instance, the Chandler police department issued a statement offering condolences to the family, describing the situation as “unimaginable.”

Conversely, some opinion pieces have criticized the circumstances surrounding Trigg’s drowning, arguing that it highlights a broader issue of child safety around pools. Columnist Laurie Roberts from the Arizona Republic stated that Trigg’s death was “not unimaginable” and emphasized that drowning is a leading cause of death for young children, urging parents to take preventive measures. This perspective has been met with mixed reactions, with some readers finding the commentary harsh and insensitive, while others agree that it underscores the need for vigilance in child supervision.

Context & Background

Drowning is a significant public health issue, particularly for young children. According to statistics, drowning is one of the leading causes of accidental death among children under five years old. In Arizona alone, 31 children drowned in 2023, highlighting the urgency of addressing water safety. The Kiser family’s tragedy has reignited discussions about the importance of constant supervision and safety measures, such as pool fences and covers, to prevent similar incidents.

Emilie Kiser, who has a substantial following on social media, has not publicly commented on her son’s death since the incident, although she has turned off comments on her social media accounts to manage the public’s response. The family’s desire for privacy during this difficult time has been a focal point of their legal actions.

What We Don’t Know Yet

The investigation into Trigg Kiser’s drowning is ongoing, and while some details have emerged, several questions remain unanswered. For instance, the specific circumstances surrounding the pool’s condition at the time of the incident, including whether safety measures were in place, are still being examined. Additionally, the outcome of Emilie Kiser’s lawsuit to keep public records sealed is pending, which may further clarify the family’s position and the details surrounding the incident.

Furthermore, the broader implications of this tragedy on public policy regarding child safety and pool regulations are yet to be fully explored. As the case continues to unfold, it may prompt discussions about legislative measures aimed at preventing similar accidents in the future.