Social media personality, Emman Atienza has died at the age of 19.
Known for her lifestyle videos, Atienza was the daughter of Filipino television host Kuya Kim Atienza and fitness guru Felicia Atienza.
Atienza died at her home on October 22. Her cause of death was listed as suicide, according to the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner.
Her parents announced the passing in an Instagram post on Friday, October 24, stating: “It’s with deep sadness that we share the unexpected passing of our daughter and sister, Emman. She brought so much joy, laughter, and love into our lives and into the lives of everyone who knew her.”
The statement continued by highlighting her honesty regarding her personal struggles: “Emman had a way of making people feel seen and heard, and she wasn’t afraid to share her own journey with mental health. Her authenticity helped so many feel less alone.”
The family asked the public to honor Emman’s memory by carrying forward the qualities she lived by: compassion, courage, and a little extra kindness in their everyday life. Emman’s father, Kim Atienza, is a weather anchor for TV Patrol and a former councilor of the 5th District of Manila.
The online personality amassed 875,000 followers on TikTok and 225,000 on Instagram, often sharing a look into her wealthy lifestyle. She had also previously used her platform to speak out about mental health issues and against the Philippines’ conservative values.
In November 2024, Atienza faced criticism after posting a TikTok video with friends at a Japanese restaurant where they played a game of “guess the bill,” with the check totaling 133,000 Philippine Peso, or $2,268. The video sparked outrage in the Philippines, where the average monthly wage is significantly lower.
Atienza immediately deleted the post, took a hiatus from social media, and later clarified that her family’s wealth did not come from any political affiliation. Recently, she had been sharing her journey as she settled into life in Los Angeles.
Atienza’s final TikTok video was posted on Wednesday, showing clips of the teenager with friends, enjoying outdoor activities like hiking and rock climbing, and participating in Halloween festivities.
