Social media influencer Emilie Kiser has responded to criticism after a video surfaced showing her 16-month-old son, Teddy, on a family boating trip in Mallorca without a life jacket. Kiser admitted in a statement on her Instagram Stories that her son "should have been in his life jacket for the entirety of that boat ride."
The video, which was reposted to TikTok, showed Kiser's son seated on his father's lap during the excursion without safety equipment. The incident drew significant backlash from fans, particularly given the family's history. Last year, Kiser's three-year-old son, Trigg, drowned in the family's backyard pool in Arizona.
"We are painfully aware that in a matter of seconds, your entire life can change, and we should have done better," Kiser stated. She and her husband, Brady, acknowledged the "genuine care" from followers but also noted the "deep level of anger and hurt directed toward our family." She added, "It comes from the belief that Trigg should still be here, and we share that same belief more than can be expressed."
Kiser also stated that a young girl featured in the video was also seen without a life jacket, and some commenters expressed concern that her son's white swimsuit was not easily visible in the water. She vowed that the family would "continue to do better, advocate for better" and learn from their mistakes, emphasizing their commitment to their children's safety.
Trigg died on May 18, 2025, after being found unresponsive in the family pool. Police stated that video evidence indicated he was unsupervised for over nine minutes, with about seven of those minutes spent in the water. At the time of the drowning, Kiser's husband was reportedly watching an NBA playoff game and had placed a $25 bet on the outcome. Following an investigation, he was not charged, despite the Chandler Police Department recommending a felony child abuse charge. The Maricopa County Attorney's Office stated there was "no likelihood of conviction."
Kiser, who is expecting her third child with her husband, recently shared an emotional tribute to Trigg on what would have been his fifth birthday. In a podcast appearance earlier this year, she spoke about the profound impact of losing a child and her commitment to being present for her younger son, Teddy.