Influencer tragedy becomes potential criminal charges amid child drowning death investigation

Influencer Emilie Kiser‘s husband, Brady Kiser, could face a Class 4 felony charge of child abuse after Emilie and Brady’s son, Trigg, drowned in the Kisers’ backyard pool in Arizona in May.

News that Brady could face charges came in an X post from the Chandler, Arizona police department, which read, “Following a thorough review of the evidence, investigators have recommended a Class 4 felony charge of child abuse against Brady Kiser.” No further detail was provided.

What happened to Trigg Kiser?

Emilie is a popular social media influencer known for documenting her family life on TikTok and Instagram. On May 12, 2025, her husband, Brady, watched their children at home in Chandler when Trigg went missing for several minutes and was later found unresponsive in the backyard pool. Despite emergency efforts and hospitalization at Phoenix Children’s Hospital, Trigg died six days later. At first, the drowning was ruled accidental.

Attention turns to Brady

Following a police investigation, however, authorities determined that Brady became distracted while caring for the couple’s other son, leaving Trigg unsupervised, an act they say could amount to criminal negligence. On July 15, the Chandler Police Department formally recommended that charges be filed against Brady.

The case has since been forwarded to the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office, which will now decide whether to pursue formal criminal prosecution. Under Arizona law, a conviction for a Class 4 felony carries a potential sentence of up to three years in prison. Courts may also impose lesser penalties, including probation, depending on the circumstances and the defendant’s criminal history.

In the weeks since Trigg’s death, Emilie has largely remained silent publicly but has taken legal steps to shield her family’s privacy. She filed a motion in late May seeking to seal police reports, autopsy files, and other investigative materials, arguing that the release of such records would cause further emotional harm.

A judge issued a temporary confidentiality order on June 3, with a final ruling on permanent sealing still pending. As the legal process unfolds, Emilie’s public profile and the nature of the case have drawn widespread media attention and scrutiny.