The Chandler Police Department report detailing the tragic drowning of three-year-old Trigg Kiser in May 2025 has brought vital facts to light regarding the moments leading up to the accident. Released months after the incident at the home of social media influencer Emilie Kiser and her husband, Brady Kiser, the document outlines the timeline, video evidence, and digital forensics collected by investigators.
According to police files, the incident occurred on the evening of May 12, 2025, while Emilie was away from the residence. Brady Kiser was at home supervising Trigg and their newborn son, Teddy. Video evidence reviewed by authorities indicated that young Trigg fell into the family's backyard pool after slipping from an elevated platform, remaining unsupervised for a brief window of time while his father was distracted indoors.
Timeline of Events According to the Chandler Police Report
The official documentation outlines a precise sequence of events on the evening of the emergency. Brady Kiser told responding officers that he was caring for both children inside the house when he temporarily lost visual contact with Trigg, who had been playing outside near the pool area.
Investigators analyzed home security footage and digital devices to reconstruct the timeline:
- Late Afternoon: Brady was inside the home watching an NBA playoff game between the Boston Celtics and the New York Knicks.
- Around 5:14 PM: Digital forensic extractions from Brady's phone showed he placed a sports bet on the DraftKings app during the game, an action later noted by investigators reviewing phone activity.
- The Incident Window: Police timeline calculations show Trigg was unsupervised for a brief period—estimated between three to nine minutes—before falling into the water from the pool deck.
- The Rescue and 911 Call: Brady discovered Trigg in the pool, immediately jumped in to pull him out, placed him on the ground, and initiated CPR while simultaneously contacting emergency services.
- First Responder Arrival: Chandler police officers and the Chandler Fire Department arrived at the residence near East Chandler Heights and South Cooper roads, taking over life-saving measures before transporting the child to Chandler Regional Medical Center. Trigg was later airlifted to Phoenix Children's Hospital, where he passed away six days later on May 18, 2025.
Findings from Digital Forensics and Video Evidence
The investigation involved a thorough review of digital devices and residential security systems to determine whether external factors contributed to the accident. According to the findings released by the Chandler Police Department, toxicological testing confirmed that Brady Kiser was not under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the incident.
The review of the home's security cameras provided definitive answers regarding how the child accessed the water. While the family's pool typically featured a protective safety cover, investigators established that Trigg had climbed onto an elevated structure near the pool deck before tripping and falling into the water. The digital footprint extracted from Brady's phone confirmed the exact timeframe of his attention being diverted by household tasks and television viewing, which formed the basis of the investigative summary submitted to prosecutors.
Legal Review and Prosecutor Decisions
Following the conclusion of the police investigation, the Chandler Police Department forwarded a referral for consideration of charges related to child supervision. The case was subsequently handed over to the Maricopa County Attorney's Office for legal review.
Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell addressed the complexities surrounding the referral, emphasizing the legal distinction between civil negligence and criminal culpability. Prosecutors evaluated whether the lack of supervision met the threshold for criminal charges under Arizona state law, a process that sparked widespread public discourse regarding parental accountability, water safety awareness, and the realities of accidental child drownings in private residential pools.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the official cause of death for Trigg Kiser?
Trigg Kiser passed away on May 18, 2025, at Phoenix Children's Hospital, six days after being pulled from the family's backyard pool and suffering severe oxygen deprivation from the drowning incident.
Where was Emilie Kiser when the accident happened?
At the time of the emergency, Emilie Kiser was away from the house running errands with friends. She was notified by her husband via phone call and rushed home immediately, later accompanying her son in the medical helicopter to the hospital.
What charges were recommended by the police?
The Chandler Police Department submitted a referral for potential child abuse or neglect charges against Brady Kiser. The Maricopa County Attorney's Office reviewed the evidence to determine if formal criminal charges were warranted.
How can backyard pool accidents be prevented?
Child safety experts recommend multi-layered security measures for residential swimming pools, including self-latching pool fencing, rigorous pool covers, door alarms leading to the yard, and certified swim lessons for toddlers to reduce drowning risks.
Chandler Police Department releases report from night of Emilie Kiser's son's drowning
