Emilie Kiser Filed to Seal Details of Son’s Death to Protect Infant

Following the death of her 3-year-old son, Trigg, Emilie Kiser filed to seal records containing details about his tragic drowning. Nearly three months after the Arizona Superior Court for Maricopa County ruled in her favor for temporary confidentiality, her declaration from the lawsuit has been made publicly available.

Documents obtained by PEOPLE contain the influencer’s emotional plea, in which she reiterated the devastation she, her husband Brady and their family experienced after Trigg’s fatal drowning incident on May 12. The toddler was hospitalized and died six days later on May 18.

She asked the court to seal “specific details or a summary of the tragedy,” including video footage, still photos and written descriptions, citing her “ongoing grief and trauma,” “fear of public exploitation” and overall “impact on others.” On the latter subject, she noted how many of her family members were still grieving the loss.

“Exposure of the images will compound their trauma,” Emilie stated.

She specified her particular worry for her younger son, Theodore, who is affectionately called Teddy in Emilie’s declaration.

“I am also concerned that 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 said. “Knowing that intensely devastating personal information like that which various people have sought could be placed on the Internet where it will live forever, haunts me wondering whether Teddy, through his own curiosity or having it thrust upon him by another, could have to live through this horror on his own at some uncertain future date.”

She referenced the already public nature of the story, which quickly spread across social, digital and broadcast media wires within two hours of Trigg’s death. The widespread public interest, she acknowledged, is due to her considerable online presence. 

However, Emilie maintained that her following — which totals over 4.1 million TikTok followers and 1.7 million on Instagram — should not negate her right to privacy.

“Our love for our children has been shared and expressed worldwide, given my role as a social media personality with many ‘followers’ across a number of social media platforms,” said Emilie. “Nothing we have shared as part of my profession has depicted or been intended to depict anything but deep and adoring love within our Family. That is how it should stay forever in my mind and the minds of all others.”