MANILA, Philippines — Amidst the public’s mourning and the silence of the Atienza family, a shocking revelation has emerged from Los Angeles: the real cause of death of Emmanuelle “Eman” Atienza , 19-year-old daughter of Kapuso host Kuya Kim Atienza , has been finally revealed by authorities.

Two days after the family revealed the sad news, an official autopsy report from the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner-Coroner released its conclusion — and the result is painful and heavy on the hearts of those who know .

According to reports, Eman committed suicide by hanging . The information was first reported by several international media outlets and later confirmed by local sources in California.

The detail came as a huge blow to Filipinos who have been following the Atienza family, especially those who admire Kuya Kim’s strong and inspirational image.

Silent fight behind smiles

On social media, Eman is known as a mental health advocate — boldly addressing issues that others often avoid. In her vlogs and posts, she openly talks about depression, anxiety, and the importance of self-care.

But in recent months, followers have noticed that Eman has gradually gone quiet . Her accounts have stopped updating, and she seems to have distanced herself from the online world. No one noticed before, but now it turns out that this is the last sign of complete exhaustion and sadness .

According to those close to him, Eman had been battling depression for a long time — a battle that the public couldn’t see. “He was always the light in every room,” said one of his friends in Los Angeles. “But lately, we could feel that the light was flickering.”

New details from the investigation

In documents obtained by Philstar sources, Eman was allegedly found in her Los Angeles apartment on the evening of October 22 , around 10 p.m. There were no signs of foul play, and all evidence points to a self-inflicted incident .

It was also confirmed that a few days before the tragedy, Eman had sent private messages to several friends, expressing extreme fatigue and a lack of direction. “I just need to rest from the noise,” was one of the last lines of her message, according to a source who requested anonymity.

In addition, authorities are investigating several online harassments that Eman allegedly received on social media before she completely disappeared online.

‘He brought light and love’ — Family statement

On October 24, through an Instagram post, Kuya Kim and Felicia Hung Atienza released an official statement :

“She (Eman) brought so much joy, laughter, and love into our lives. Her authenticity helped so many feel less alone. To honor her memory, we ask everyone to carry forward her compassion and kindness.”

The family is silent about the details of the death, but these words clearly convey the profound message they want to convey — that Eman is not just a child, but a voice for the youth who are silently fighting back .

The pressure behind the name

Eman grew up in the showbiz spotlight. She is the daughter of one of the country’s most famous TV personalities — but according to those who know her, Eman doesn’t want to be identified simply as “Kuya Kim’s daughter.”

He chose to study abroad, build his own name, and fight for his beliefs. But with that same freedom, he seemed to be slowly swallowed up by pressure, isolation, and emotional exhaustion.

“She just wants to feel like she’s enough,” said a friend. “Not because she’s the daughter of a celebrity, but because she’s Eman — the kind, smart, and genuine one.”

A call not to be silent

Eman’s death is not just a personal tragedy — it is a reminder to all youth and parents that depression is not always visible in its outward appearance.

According to the World Health Organization , the number of Filipino youth experiencing severe anxiety and depression is increasing, but few seek help due to fear, shame, or stigma.

“When you’re too kind, you smile too much, the world thinks you’re okay,” says a mental health expert. “But sometimes, the happiest people are the ones with the most wounds inside.”

The message left by Eman

Despite the painful end, Eman’s legacy remains as an inspiration. In her old posts, she often reminds followers:

“If today feels heavy, rest. Don’t quit. There’s always tomorrow.”

And that’s perhaps what he wanted to leave behind — a reminder of hope, even in the midst of darkness.