In a desperate plea to protect her family from further pain, influencer Emilie Kiser filed a lawsuit in May to seal records surrounding the tragic drowning of her 3-year-old son, Trigg. Now, her emotional declaration—once kept private—has been made public, revealing the deep fear she carries for her younger son, Theodore (Teddy), and the lasting impact such details could have on him.
A Mother’s Plea for Privacy
After Trigg’s drowning on May 12—followed by his death six days later—Emilie and her husband, Brady, were overwhelmed by grief. But the pain didn’t stop there. Over 100 requests were filed for public records, including footage and photos of the accident. Emilie, terrified of the long-term consequences, begged the court to seal these details, arguing that their release would re-traumatize her family—especially Teddy, who may one day stumble upon them online.
In her legal declaration, obtained by PEOPLE, Emilie expressed her fear that Teddy could one day relive the horror of his brother’s death if the graphic details—videos, photos, or written accounts—were publicly accessible.
“Exposure of the images will compound their trauma,” she wrote, voicing concern for Teddy’s future. “When Teddy becomes old enough to understand what happened and discovers or is shown any such information, it will be very difficult for him to process.”
She imagined the worst: Teddy, curious or forced by others, finding these devastating images online—haunting him for life.
The Public vs. The Private
Trigg’s death spread rapidly across social media, news outlets, and broadcasts within hours. Emilie acknowledged that her public persona—with 4.1 million TikTok followers and 1.7 million on Instagram—fueled the intense scrutiny. Yet, she insisted that her family’s grief should not be overshadowed by her fame.
“Our love for our children has been shared worldwide,” she wrote. “Nothing we have shared was ever meant to depict anything but deep and adoring love within our family. That is how it should stay—forever.”
A New Report Adds to the Tragedy
A recent investigation revealed that the pool cover had been removed shortly before Trigg’s drowning—a chilling detail that only deepens the heartbreak of his loss.
The Court’s Decision
In August, the Arizona Superior Court for Maricopa County granted Emilie’s request for temporary confidentiality, recognizing the need to protect her family—especially Teddy—from reliving this tragedy in the future.
But the fight isn’t over. Emilie’s legal battle continues, as she strives to ensure that her son’s final moments remain private, shielding Teddy from a pain no child should ever face.