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Emilie Kiser scored a huge legal win amid her push to keep any records about the death of her 3-year-old son Trigg sealed.
As we previously reported, the influencer’s child died on May 18, days after drowning in a backyard pool in Arizona. A parent losing their child so young and in such a tragic way is already devastating enough. Unfortunately for the Kiser family, the situation has been even more of a nightmare for them as the public concocted unfounded theories about the accident online. Random people even went as far as to try to access all the records about the death, including a video of the incident. So, Emilie filed a lawsuit to stop the release of any documents about his passing.
A decision has not been made about her suit yet. However, People reported the Arizona Superior Court for Maricopa County ruled on Tuesday on a different motion she filed — whether to keep her personal declaration about Trigg’s death private. Fortunately, the court sided with her. She was granted temporary confidentiality on her declaration and her overall privacy request while the court reviewed all the evidence before a final ruling on everything.
Related: Avery Woods Honors Friend Emilie’s Son After Tragic Drowning Death
Even though it’s unknown exactly what Emilie said in her statement, a source shared some insight with People on Thursday. They said the declaration “reflects an intensely personal account of her grief and trauma, submitted to help the court understand her perspective — not for public consumption,” adding:
“The core legal issues remain fully transparent through public filings by counsel and the court. Emilie’s sealed declaration does not hinder the public’s understanding of the case or its legal significance. Preserving a small measure of privacy in the midst of public scrutiny is a reasonable and compassionate choice given the circumstances.”
Sadly, as we mentioned, many people refuse to respect her privacy during this difficult time. According to her lawsuit, over 100 requests were filed with the City of Chandler and the Maricopa County Medical Examiner’s Office for access to the records about Trigg’s accident — allegedly for “commercial purposes” only. The insider further claimed the filings include “requests for the footage of a toddler’s death, which only serves to satisfy morbid curiosity more than any type of justice.” And folks reportedly went further than that:
“Rabid fans and media have surrounded Emilie’s home, filmed through her windows, sent unsolicited packages, contacted members of her family who have private phone numbers, and even falsely announced Trigg’s death in the press before it was confirmed.”
Can’t people let this family grieve in peace? Jeez! Have some compassion and leave them alone!
Although Emilie pushed to keep records about the accident private, we’re learning new details about that tragic day. A People source revealed the mom was not at home at the time of the drowning — so she never saw what happened firsthand. In fact, her lawsuit stated she had not viewed any of the records, including the photos of the scene or the video of the incident. Emilie likely never wants to see the horrific moment. Can you blame her? No parent would!
That’s why sealing the records is not just about keeping information from the public. Instead, the source expressed the social media personality “should not be forced to relive the aftermath” while she is mourning the loss of her child:
“Emilie has fully cooperated with investigators. The focus here is not on withholding information, but on safeguarding the dignity of a child and allowing a grieving family the space and privacy to heal.”
The insider stressed Emilie’s lawsuit is “a deeply personal, and reasonable, plea to prevent the public release of the most traumatic moment of her life,” adding:
“Emilie’s public profile does not negate her right to privacy, nor does it make her son’s death a matter for public consumption. Being online should not strip someone of basic human decency.”
Our hearts break for Emilie. She shouldn’t have to deal with so much public speculation while trying to mourn her loss…
[Image via Emilie Kiser/Instagram]
