Influencer Emilie Kiser has shared a deeply personal update on her grief journey following the death of her 3-year-old son Trigg in May. In a video posted to Instagram and TikTok on October 27, Kiser described attending a second grief retreat, where she learned new meditation techniques and reframed her understanding of grief. During the retreat, she was guided to visualize and name her grief—choosing “Hard”—and came to see it not as an enemy, but as a reminder of her love for Trigg.
Kiser’s reflections come five months after Trigg drowned in the family’s backyard pool, a tragedy that has shaped her public and private life since.
Emilie Kiser attended a grief retreat in October 2025, sharing her experience via social media on October 27. The retreat, held months after the accidental drowning of her son Trigg, offered meditation and counseling sessions to help participants process loss. Kiser described how she was asked to visualize her grief, name it, and interact with it emotionally. She now views grief as a companion, saying it’s “a reminder of your loved one every single day”.
Retreat Experience and Emotional Insights
- Kiser named her grief “Hard” during a guided meditation
- She said, “Grief doesn’t want to be there either”
- Learned that “grief equals love” and can become a “friend”
- Counseling session addressed guilt around feeling happiness after loss
- Rejected the rigidity of the five stages of grief, calling them “B.S.” for child loss
Kiser emphasized that grief is not linear and that emotions like joy and sorrow can coexist without guilt.
Quotes and Reactions
From Kiser’s video:
“I feel like I was able to see that grief isn’t the enemy… it’s a companion.”
She added:
“If my grief disappeared tomorrow, I’d be sad, because it would mean I’m not thinking about Trigg every day.”
Mental health professionals have praised Kiser’s openness, noting that her message helps normalize complex emotions for grieving parents.
Public Response and Legal Context
Kiser’s vulnerability has resonated with followers, many of whom are navigating their own grief. Her advocacy for mental health and emotional honesty has sparked supportive dialogue online.
Legally, Kiser has sought privacy around Trigg’s death. In August, the Arizona Superior Court ruled in her favor to seal parts of the Chandler Police Department’s report, which had recommended charges against her husband Brady. The Maricopa County Attorney’s Office declined to prosecute, citing “no likelihood of conviction”.
What’s Next: Continued Advocacy and Social Media Presence
Kiser has resumed posting regularly, sharing updates on her healing process and thanking mental health professionals. She’s expected to continue using her platform to support others facing loss and grief.
Her next video series may explore parenting after loss and building emotional resilience.
