TikTok star Emman Atienza died by suicide officials in Los Angeles have ruled, just months after moving to the city to start a new life.
The 19-year-old, who had a large presence on social media died by hanging herself on Wednesday, the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner ruled Friday.
According to Deadline she had moved to the city in the summer from her home in the Philippines in the hopes of starting a new life and boosting her career.
She was candid about her troubles with mental health, in a post to her Instagram in January she said she had ‘came into 2024 unsure if I even wanted to live’.
The post detailed how she had dealt with ‘treatment-resistant mental illness’ since she was 12, adding: ‘I was only getting worse as the years passed.’
According to Atienza she relapsed into self harm last year and had gone to Los Angeles shortly after for therapy.
Heartbreakingly, she finished her post: ‘2024 was a whirlwind of ups and downs, but as I step into 2025, I can’t see a reason not to live.’
Her parents, Filipino television host Kim Atienza and businesswoman Felicia Hung, announced her ‘unexpected passing’ on Friday morning.
Emman Atienza, 19, died by suicide on Wednesday, Los Angeles County’s Medical Examiner ruled on Friday
Atienza had moved to the City of Angels from her home in the Philippines earlier this year to start a new life and had been open about her past mental health struggles
In a statement released on Friday, her family said: ‘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.
‘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 honor 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.’
She had a huge presence on social media – on Instagram she had over 225,000 followers. On TikTok, she boasted 866,000 followers and nearly 44.5 million likes.
Known for her fashion and style, she also posted about body positivity and inspirational messages.
Her last video, posted three days ago, was a compilation of her and her friends diving into a lake, rock climbing and dancing.
Her accounts have since been inundated with heartfelt tributes by fans and loved ones.
Her father, Filipino TV host Kim, and her family, said in a statement that she brought them ‘so much joy, laughter, and love’
Atienza had a huge presence on social media. She had over 866,000 followers on TikTok and 224,000 on Instagram
One said: ‘Can’t believe you’re gone. You were always present, silly, fun loving, bubbly and a light to be around. RIP Emman.’
Another wrote: ‘You’ll never be forgotten. Thank you for your voice, for fighting with us even in a short period of time. You helped so many people find their will and to see another day.’
A third said: ‘You never knew me, but I’ve been a silent fan. Your videos brought light to my darkest days. Somehow, you made me smile again.’
For help and support contact the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline on 988.
