Kuya Kim shares grief over daughter's death due to mental illness

TV host Kim Atienza, also known as Kuya Kim, has opened up about the death of his 19-year-old daughter, Emman, in California.

Atienza shared that his daughter had been diagnosed with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Bipolar Disorder and had made previous attempts at self-harm before her passing on October 22.

He recalled accompanying Emman to the hospital after a past attempt, during which he read the biblical book of Psalms to her, a moment that Emman's friend later said had always stuck with her.

Atienza finds comfort in his faith, believing Emman's death has a purpose, though he grappled with questions and 'what ifs' such as whether he had given his daughter enough time and guidance.

He now urges parents to believe their children when they show symptoms of mental health struggles, emphasizing that mental illness is real and can be fatal.

Atienza shared that each member of the Atienza family has found different ways to cope with grief, with him avoiding being alone to prevent intensifying the heaviness he feels and keeping himself occupied.

Emman, also an influencer and TikTok star, was known for her candor in talking about mental health, kindness, and self-awareness, and her death drew global attention, trending worldwide on news outlets like Daily Mail, TMZ, and Entertainment Tonight.

Kuya Kim believes his daughter "did not die in vain" as her message of kindness and mental health awareness inspired many.