Is Emman Atienza’s death under FBI investigation? Viral foul play claims debunked

Emman Atienza, 19, passed away at her Los Angeles home on Wednesday, October 22, TMZ reported. A few days after the TikTok star’s death, an unfounded claim emerged on Facebook. 

Trigger Warning: This article contains references to self-harm. Reader's discretion is advised.

A post on Behind The Fame PH, a Facebook page with 31K followers, asserted that Atienza’s demise has prompted an FBI investigation. The original poster stated that the federal agency found “multiple inconsistencies pointing to foul play.” The account also shared an unreliable third-party source to corroborate its claim about the FBI probe. 

There is no evidence confirming that the Federal Bureau of Investigation is probing Emman Atienza’s death. Neither the FBI has issued a press release, nor has any credible outlet covered anything about the TikToker’s demise being under scrutiny. 

The Behind The Fame PH page has posted many unverified rumors after news of Emman’s passing broke recently. Each post about Atienza features clickbait titles with unconfirmed claims. None of the late internet celebrity’s family members have reacted to the rumors being propagated on social media. 

The 19-year-old’s parents and siblings shared a joint statement on Instagram on Friday, remembering her. 

Emman Atienza’s family pays her a heartfelt tribute in an Instagram post

The popular TikToker, known for her lifestyle content, passed away last week at 19. She was the daughter of Filipino TV presenter and politician Alejandro "Kim" Ilagan Atienza (better known as Kuya Kim) and entrepreneur and conservationist Felicia Hung-Atienza. Emman is also survived by her two siblings, Jose and Eliana. 

After the social media star’s unfortunate passing, her family confirmed the news on Instagram. Felicia Hung-Atienza, in a collaborative post with Kim, Jose, and Eliana, wrote: 

“It’s with deep sadness that we share the unexpected passing of our daughter and sister, Emman.” 

The family remembered 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.” 

They concluded: 

“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.” 

Many extended their condolences to the Atienza family in the comments. 

“She was pure 🥹🙏🏻 I’m so sorry …,” Heart Evangelista (@iamhearte) wrote. 

“Emman was such a ball of sunshine po 😔 My deepest condolences to you and your family. Sending you my prayers. 🤍,” Andrea Brillantes (@blythe) paid a tribute to Emman. 

“My deepest condolences. 💔 Love you Atienza Fam. 🙏🏼,” Donny Pangilinan (@donny) commented. 

“I’m so sorry Kuya Kim. Hugging you tight. God bless you and your family,” Jericho Rosales (@jerichorosalesofficial) penned. 

Many others remembered Emman, including Sam Watson (@samuelwatson__), who shared an emotional tribute. The 19-year-old Texan rock climber wrote: 

“Emman was my best friend for several months while we were together. I watched her get introduced to my beautiful sport of climbing and spread that passion and love all across her home country and to the Internet and social media following.” 

Sam wrote how Emman, being an internet personality, cared about her impact across platforms. He continued: 

“I'm devastated even typing this that this is the end, but I really genuinely believe and vow to embody her ideals and what she would have wanted through my own pursuits.”

The authorities haven’t reported foul play in the death of the 19-year-old influencer. According to TMZ, the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office has ruled out Emman Atienza’s death as suicide.