Influencer Emily Kaiser recently issued an apology after a photograph showed her toddler aboard a boat without a life jacket.
Her friend, fellow influencer Maddy Curtis, shared a video montage from their shared family vacation in Spain, which includes a 16-month-old Theodore “Teddy” Kaiser with his father, Brady Kaiser. In other parts of the video, Curtis’ daughter is also seen without a life jacket, while her son was wearing an orange vest.
In Spain, children under 13 are legally required to wear life jackets when the boat is moving.
Quickly, social media users questioned the lack of precautions, particularly given that the couple’s oldest son, Trigg, tragically drowned in 2025 at the age of three in a backyard pool incident in Arizona.
Kaiser, who is expecting the couple’s third child, has a large following and frequently shares insights into her family life and lifestyle. In her public apology, she admitted that Teddy should have been wearing a life jacket at all times while on the boat.
“We know how quickly life can change,” she expressed. “We should have done better.” She also appreciated the “genuine concern” people showed for her children and recognized the “deep level of anger and hurt” aimed at their family.
“It stems from the belief that Trigg should still be here, and we feel that deeply,” she added. “He was only three and deserved to live so much longer. That reality sits with us every day.”
Kaiser wrapped up her message by reaffirming her commitment to improving, advocating for safety, and acknowledging that mistakes happen. “All we can do is learn from our children and love them as much as possible,” she concluded.
Responses from followers included support and empathy. One wrote, “Just wanted to send you a virtual hug,” while another added, “You’re an amazing mom. You’re doing your best.” They recognized the challenges of parenting and appeared to rally around her during this difficult time.
According to the police report from Trigg’s drowning, he was left unsupervised for over nine minutes before being pulled from the water. The pool in question, typically covered, was not enclosed at the time of the incident.
In June, Kaiser shared her first interview since the tragedy with podcaster Jay Shetty, stating, “I try to remind myself that I have a choice. I can let this consume me or do my best for my younger son and give him the same love Trigg always received.”
