The 19-year-old Filipino TikTok star, known for her candid posts about mental health and self-expression, was found dead at her Los Angeles home.
TikTok star Emman Atienza, known for her lifestyle videos and mental health advocacy, has died at just 19 years old. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner confirmed her cause of death as suicide after she was found at her home in Los Angeles on Wednesday.
Emman, whose full name was Emmanuelle “Emman” Hung Atienza, was the daughter of Filipino TV host Kim “Kuya Kim” Atienza and entrepreneur and fitness advocate Felicia Hung-Atienza.
Her heartbroken parents shared the tragic news in an emotional Instagram post on Friday, writing, “She brought so much joy, laughter, and love into our lives and into the lives of everyone who knew her. Emman had a way of making people feel seen and heard, and her authenticity helped so many feel less alone.”
Born in Manila, Philippines, Emman grew up in a well-known public family — her grandfather, Lito Atienza, is a former mayor of Manila. Despite her privileged background, she became beloved online for her relatable humor, mental health openness, and unapologetic confidence.
She began gaining attention on TikTok, where she amassed more than 800,000 followers, with another 225,000 on Instagram. Her content ranged from fashion and self-expression to raw discussions about therapy and mental health. Emman was candid about her struggles, sharing that she started therapy at 12 after being bullied in school.
Outside of social media, she pursued her passions in fashion and design. She studied at the International School Manila and attended a summer program at Parsons School of Design in New York in 2024. She also modeled professionally, debuting on the runway at Bench Fashion Week in 2022 and joining GMA Network’s influencer agency, Status by Sparkle, in 2024.
Emman recently moved to Los Angeles over the summer to chase new opportunities, posting lighthearted videos about adjusting to life in the U.S. Fans have since flooded her comment sections with condolences and tributes, calling her “a light gone too soon.”
Her death has sparked broader conversations about the pressures of online fame and mental health struggles faced by young creators.
If you or someone you know is struggling, call or text the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 for free and confidential support.
