By Daily Mail (U.S.) | Created at 2025-03-25 19:17:11 | Updated at 2025-03-26 09:55:49
14 hours ago
TikTok star Joshua Blackledge has died at the age of 16.
The influencer died on March 18 at his home in Newport, North Carolina, according to an obituary.
A cause of death remains unclear.
Blackledge, a junior at West Carteret high school, had over 1million followers on TikTok.
He often posted videos that saw him lip-syncing or hanging out with friends as well as his girlfriend Emmie Gillikin.
'Missing this sweet boy right now. never would’ve thought i would have been here without you,' Gillikin wrote on social media on March 20.
'Josh showed me what love really was even [though] im very young. he never failed to put a smile on my face no matter how mad i was at him ... Even after these past couple days nothing seems real and im feeling all the emotions.'
Blackledge's last TikTok post came on March 14 and saw him hanging out with his friend in a white pickup truck.
TikTok star Joshua Blackledge died in his North Carolina home at 16
Blackledge often posted content with his girlfriend Emmie Gillikin. They are pictured together
Gillikin denied that Blackledge was bullied and asked his followers to not spread rumors
The influencer's fans have been leaving comments on his TikTok account expressing shock
On Thursday, Gillikin slammed rumors about Blackledge's death on a TikTok Post.
'hey so the rumors going around abt Josh are not true and people are taking it way too far, Josh was never bullied,' she wrote.
'Everyone always loved him as a friend and even just someone they knew so if you don't really know what happened then don't spread fake rumors.'
A 'celebration of life' ceremony was reportedly held for him on Sunday.
The social media star is survived by his parents Jonathan and Jackie Blackledge and his brother Josiah.
'He had a passion for the outdoors and loved being around water, whether fishing or boating with friends. He also had a love for cars and trucks,' read an obituary for the teen posted by Noe-Brooks Funeral Home.
The influencer's fans have been leaving tributes for him on his TikTok page, expressing shock and confusion about his untimely passing.
'There's no way,' read one comment. 'I'm praying for Emmie. rest in peace Josh.'
'Death is so off bc what do you mean he was alive 6 days ago,?' read another.
