Emman Atienza, 19, died by suicide at her home in Los Angeles, officials have confirmed. The TikTok star and model had bravely opened up to her one million followers about her mental health struggles
TikTok star Emman Atienza’s cause of death has been confirmed. The 19-year-old tragically took her own life at her Los Angeles home, authorities have revealed. The social media star courageously shared her mental health battles with her one million online followers before her devastating death.
Official documents filed by the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner confirmed that the star, whose real name was Emmanuelle Atienza, died on October 22, this year, at her primary residence.
Emman’s well-known Filipino father, television presenter and weather forecaster Kim Atienza, revealed his young daughter’s passing on Friday. The cherished teenager had relocated to Los Angeles from the Philippines just months earlier, pursuing her ambition to become a leading influencer in America. LA is frequently regarded as the epicentre of the nation’s most prominent social media stars.
Emman had become a beloved and influential figure for thousands worldwide through her candid discussions on challenging subjects, including mental health and bullying.
On TikTok, she commanded over 856,000 followers and had accumulated nearly 50 million likes. Her Instagram account was equally successful, attracting more than 218,000 followers.
She frequently discussed her personal struggles, including managing bipolar disorder, promoting body positivity, and confronting suicidal ideation. In an Instagram post from January, she revealed she had “came into 2024 unsure if I even wanted to live”.
In a devastating statement, she explained how she had been battling these issues since age 12, with the difficulties “only getting worse as the years passed”.
Emman described her mental health challenges as “treatment-resistant”. However, she seemed hopeful at the conclusion of the post, writing: “2024 was a whirlwind of ups and downs, but as I step into 2025, Emman’s mum Feliciana has paid a heartfelt tribute to her beloved daughter, 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.”
She continued: “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. To honour Emman’s memory, we hope you carry forward the qualities she lived by: compassion, courage, and a little extra kindness in your everyday life. With love, Kim, Feli, Jose, and Eliana.”
Emman was also the granddaughter of former Manila mayor Lito Atienza, and her family are widely regarded as one of the Philippines’ most prominent families.
Emman was also known for speaking her mind on social and political issues, admitting in a post that she would sometimes faces backlash online for her progressive views in her native country.
Her agency also expressed their condolences on social media: ‘Sparkle GMA Artist Center deeply mourns the passing of Emman Atienza. Our sincere condolences go out to her family and loved ones. She will always be remembered as a cherished member of the Sparkle and Status by Sparkle family.”
Tributes poured in from fans and fellow celebrities, including Filipino actor Andrea Brillantes, who wrote: “Emman was such a ball of sunshine. My deepest condolences to you and your family. Sending you my prayers.”
**For emotional support you can call the Samaritans 24-hour helpline on 116 123, email ** jo@samaritans.org, visit a Samaritans branch in person or go to the Samaritans website.
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