Former Olympic Skier Bode Miller's 19-Month-Old Daughter Drowns in Neighbor's Pool

Steve Warren
06-13-2018

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Former Olympic skier Bode Miller and his wife Morgan say they are "beyond devastated" after their 19-month-old daughter Emeline drowned in a neighbor's pool during a party Sunday. 

The gold medalist posted a message to Instagram sharing the tragic news.

"We are beyond devastated," Miller wrote.  "Our baby girl, Emmy, passed away yesterday. Never in a million years did we think we would experience a pain like this. Her love, her light, her spirit will never be forgotten. Our little girl loved life and lived it to it's fullest every day. Our family respectfully requests privacy during this painful time."

According to Orange County Fire Department, paramedics performed CPR on the child and she was rushed to a hospital, but medical personnel were unable to revive her. 

The couple also has a three-year-old son.  Their third child is due to arrive in October.  Miller also has two children from previous relationships, a five-year-old son, and a 10-year-old daughter.

Fans and the skiing community have been sending their condolences to the family via social media.  

Skier Lindsay Vonn tweeted: "Devastating news. My deepest condolences to you and your family @MillerBode.

The US Ski and Snowboard Team also sent their condolences to the Miller family.

"It is with the utmost sadness that we learned today of the passing of @MillerBode's daughter Emmy," the organization wrote. "The thoughts and prayers of everyone at U.S. Ski & Snowboard and across the whole snow sports world are with Bode, his wife Morgan and their family at this time."

Miller says he and his family are grateful for all the support they have received.  In an Instagram post on Tuesday, he posted a photo of Emily and himself writing, " "Thank you for all the love and support and to our midwives @lindseymeehleis and @courtneykellis for helping us find the support our family needs during this impossible time."

According to the US Center for Disease Control and Prevention, every day nearly 10 people die from drowning. 

"Drowning is a very quick and silent event. It can happen in as short as 20-60 seconds," Adam Katchmarchi, president of the National Drowning Prevention Alliance, told NBC's Today. "The number one point with that is to actively supervise your children at all times around the water."

Katchmarchi also said it was important not only to have people around the water watching but to make sure someone knows how to perform CPR and administer first aid.

"Barriers are important," he added. "Making sure that there's proper fencing around the pool. It is also important to never leave toys or kind of what we call attractive nuisances around the water."

The non-profit Safe Kids Worldwide has prepared an online guide for parents titled Water Safety At Home.

A GoFund Me and meal train accounts have been set up for the Miller family.

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About The Author

Steve Warren is a senior multimedia producer for CBN News. Warren has worked in the news departments of television stations and cable networks across the country. In addition, he also worked as a producer-director in television production and on-air promotion. A Civil War historian, he authored the book The Second Battle of Cabin Creek: Brilliant Victory. It was the companion book to the television documentary titled Last Raid at Cabin Creek currently streaming on Amazon Prime. He holds an M.A. in Journalism from the University of Oklahoma and a B.A. in Communication from the University of
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