Veteran Filipino TV host and weather anchor Kim Atienza, popularly known as Kuya Kim, has publicly shared his deep grief and reflections on the heartbreaking loss of his youngest daughter, Emmanuelle ‘Emman’ Atienza, who passed away in October 2025 at the age of 19.
In an emotional interview with broadcast journalist Jessica Soho, Kuya Kim recalled the final days of Emman’s battle with mental health struggles, a fight largely hidden from public view because she maintained a strong and happy front.
Two days before Emman’s death, she texted her mother, Felicia Hung, saying she was in an emergency and needed to go to a therapy center, stressing that there was no self-harm involved.
However, the family was unable to reach her afterward, a troubling sign that something was seriously wrong. Kuya Kim said he was devastated when he learned the news from his wife, collapsing in grief but finding solace in his faith.
'I'd like to think that my daughter Emman did not die in vain. I know that nothing can happen as an accident. I know that things work out well. I know that this is planned by the Lord... There is a reason, and the reason is beautiful. That gives me peace," he told Soho.
He described the death of a child as an “unimaginable kind of pain” that surpasses any physical suffering: "I would rather have cancer, I would rather have physical pain because you can steel yourself against it. But to lose a child, the pain... you don't know where the pain is coming from," he said, his voice heavy with grief.
Emman Atienza was a rising social media talent and part of the GMA Sparkle Artist Center. She shared openly about mental health on her TikTok account, connecting with thousands of young followers through messages of self-love and kindness. Emman’s sudden death deeply shocked family, friends, and fans, who praised her authenticity and spirit.
Kuya Kim and his wife have called for kindness and understanding in the wake of their loss. Emman’s wake was held at The Heritage Memorial Park in Taguig City in early November 2025 and was open to the public.
A: Official reports confirmed Emman Atienza died by suicide through ligature hanging in her Los Angeles home on October 22, 2025.
Q: Was Emman open about her mental health struggles?
A: Yes, Emman discussed her mental health challenges publicly on social media, seeking to raise awareness and help others facing similar struggles.
In an emotional interview with broadcast journalist Jessica Soho, Kuya Kim recalled the final days of Emman’s battle with mental health struggles, a fight largely hidden from public view because she maintained a strong and happy front.
Two days before Emman’s death, she texted her mother, Felicia Hung, saying she was in an emergency and needed to go to a therapy center, stressing that there was no self-harm involved.
However, the family was unable to reach her afterward, a troubling sign that something was seriously wrong. Kuya Kim said he was devastated when he learned the news from his wife, collapsing in grief but finding solace in his faith.
'I'd like to think that my daughter Emman did not die in vain. I know that nothing can happen as an accident. I know that things work out well. I know that this is planned by the Lord... There is a reason, and the reason is beautiful. That gives me peace," he told Soho.
He described the death of a child as an “unimaginable kind of pain” that surpasses any physical suffering: "I would rather have cancer, I would rather have physical pain because you can steel yourself against it. But to lose a child, the pain... you don't know where the pain is coming from," he said, his voice heavy with grief.
Emman Atienza was a rising social media talent and part of the GMA Sparkle Artist Center. She shared openly about mental health on her TikTok account, connecting with thousands of young followers through messages of self-love and kindness. Emman’s sudden death deeply shocked family, friends, and fans, who praised her authenticity and spirit.
Kuya Kim and his wife have called for kindness and understanding in the wake of their loss. Emman’s wake was held at The Heritage Memorial Park in Taguig City in early November 2025 and was open to the public.
FAQs
Q: What was the cause of Emman Atienza’s death?A: Official reports confirmed Emman Atienza died by suicide through ligature hanging in her Los Angeles home on October 22, 2025.
Q: Was Emman open about her mental health struggles?
A: Yes, Emman discussed her mental health challenges publicly on social media, seeking to raise awareness and help others facing similar struggles.
