Emilie Kiser Responds to Backlash Over Son Without Life Jacket on Boat After Tragedy

TikTok star Emilie Kiser is facing backlash after a video showed her one-year-old son Teddy on a boat without a life jacket, just one year after her eldest son Trigg tragically drowned in their backyard pool in May 2025.

The footage, posted by influencer friend Madi Curtis during a Mallorca vacation, captured Teddy sitting on his father's lap on a speedboat without a flotation device. Several other children were also seen without life jackets. TikTok users were quick to criticize the family for negligence, pointing out that lack of supervision had already led to Trigg's death.

In response, Emilie Kiser took to Instagram Stories to apologize. "Our child should have been in his life jacket for the entirety of that boat ride," she wrote. "We are painfully aware that in a matter of seconds, your entire life can change, and we should have done better." She acknowledged the anger from followers, saying it stems from the belief that Trigg should still be alive.

The Kiser family has been open about their grief after losing three-year-old Trigg to drowning while his father Brady was distracted. Emilie had previously urged her millions of followers to practice water safety, vowing to protect her remaining child. The new video has sparked debate about whether the family has learned from the tragedy.

Emilie promised to continue learning from mistakes and advocating for safety. "We will keep trying, keep advocating, and still make mistakes. But we promise to never stop learning and to love our children with everything we have," she wrote.

The incident has divided social media: some show understanding, while others believe the family should face consequences. Child safety experts stress that consistent use of life jackets is non-negotiable around water, especially after a prior loss.