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Joshua Blackledge, a well-known TikToker, has tragically passed away at the age of 16.
According to an obituary, social media influencer Joshua Blackledge passed away on March 18 at his home in Newport, North Carolina.
Blackledge, a junior at West Carteret High School, was known for his viral videos, which often featured him lip-syncing, hanging out with friends, or spending time with his girlfriend, Emmie Gillikin, as reported by the Metro.
His final TikTok, posted on March 14, showed him riding around with a friend in a white pickup truck.
A “celebration of life” ceremony was held for the teen on Sunday, with tributes continuing to pour in from across the internet.
Blackledge’s obituary described him as an outdoors-loving teen who “loved being around water, whether fishing or boating with friends,” and someone who had a special passion for “cars and trucks.”
It further noted: “At home, Joshua enjoyed helping his mom with cooking, gardening, and yard work. He had an energetic spirit and was known for his entertaining nature, often impressing others with backflips.”
“Joshua will be remembered by those who knew him for his enthusiasm and love for life. May his memory bring comfort to all who mourn his passing.”
@f30joshh bae thought she could do my hair
♬ original sound - 🧘🏽♀️
The TikTok star is survived by his parents, Jonathan and Jackie Blackledge, and his brother, Josiah Blackledge.
No cause of death has been released.
His girlfriend, Emmie Gillikin, expressed her grief online in a heartfelt post on March 20, as reported by the Daily Mail.
“Missing this sweet boy right now. Never would’ve thought I would have been here without you,” she wrote.
“Josh showed me what love really was, even though I’m 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 of days, nothing seems real, and I’m feeling all the emotions.”
As speculation spread online, Gillikin addressed the rumors surrounding his death in a TikTok post.
“Hey, so the rumors going around about 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.”
Fans have flooded Joshua’s TikTok page and online obituary with emotional tributes.
“There’s no way,” one fan commented. “I’m praying for Emmie. Rest in peace, Josh.”
Another fan shared on his tribute site: “We never knew you, Josh, but we always watched you. You looked so kind and sweet, and we will never forget you. You are so, so deeply missed, Josh, and I am so, so glad you are in a better place than here. LLJ.”
Another tribute read: “Knowing that Joshua is not here anymore breaks my heart. We all miss him so much.”
A comment added: “To Josh’s family and friends, I’m so very sorry for your loss. I wish I could’ve spoken to Josh a few more times, but the times we did, he was such a respectable person. I can see with all the tributes how loved he was and will continue to be. My condolences to everyone affected by this. Rest in peace, Josh.”
Another wrote: “Even though I didn’t know Joshua, I feel bad for his family. You never know the silent battles people are fighting. Joshua would lip-sync and make TikTok videos with his girlfriend, and even though everyone loved him, he’ll still be missed. LLJ.”
Our thoughts are with Blackledge’s loved ones during this difficult time.
