Social media personality Emilie Kiser is facing criticism after posting a Father's Day card that included a signature from her late son, Trigg, who drowned in May 2025. Trigg, age three, died six days after being found unresponsive in the family's backyard pool in Chandler, Arizona.
Kiser's husband, Brady, was reportedly supervising Trigg and their newborn son, Teddy, at the time of the incident. Police records indicate that video evidence showed the toddler was unsupervised for over nine minutes, with about seven of those minutes spent in the water. Brady Kiser stated he lost sight of Trigg for three to five minutes. Following an investigation, the Maricopa County Attorney's Office declined to file charges against Brady Kiser, citing no likelihood of conviction, despite the Chandler Police Department's recommendation for a felony child abuse charge.
The Father's Day card, also signed by Teddy, featured a green handprint resembling a golf putting green with a hand-drawn flag. Kiser wrote "Best daddy by par!" at the top. The card was signed "Happy Father's Day! [Love] Trigg and Teddy." The post generated significant backlash online, with many commenters pointing out that Trigg was under his father's supervision when the drowning occurred. Some users also criticized the sports theme of the card, referencing reports that Brady Kiser was watching an NBA playoff game and had placed a $25 bet at the time of his son's death.
In a recent appearance on the podcast "On Purpose" with Jay Shetty, Kiser spoke about grieving her son's death and her focus on her surviving son, Teddy. "I can either let this completely derail me more than it already has, and not really feel like I'm fit or able to take care of my younger son, or I can do everything in my power to be the best mom I possibly can for him," she stated, referencing her efforts to provide Teddy with the same love Trigg received.
Kiser has been open on social media about her grieving process. In late 2025, she discussed how her son's death had impacted her relationship with her husband, stating that her family's unwavering love for both him and Trigg had helped them stay united. Around the same period, she described her first Christmas since Trigg's passing as "terrible."
In March, Kiser publicly stated that her son's death was "preventable" and urged parents to prioritize pool safety, including installing fencing, enrolling children in swimming lessons, and ensuring constant supervision around water. She expressed her ongoing feelings of being "broken" by the loss, sharing the profound impact Trigg's absence had on their home.