The death of social media personality Joshua Blackledge has left the TikTok community heartbroken.
The rising star died at the age of 16 on Tuesday, March 18, according to his online obituary, which detailed that Blackledge passed away at his home in Newport, North Carolina. A cause of death has not been confirmed.
Attracting 1.1 million TikTok followers, Blackledge “will be remembered by those who knew him for his enthusiasm and love for life,” as penned via his obituary. The teenager is survived by his parents and brother Josiah.
Blackledge attracted a large following after entertaining fans with videos of himself lip-syncing to songs and exploring his love of cars and trucks.
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The youngster also collaborated on posts with his girlfriend, Emmie Gillikin, sharing insight into their relationship through their lighthearted online content. Gillikin also lip-synced to tracks with Blackledge, and shared an online tribute to him following his passing.
“Missing this sweet boy right now. Never would’ve thought I would have been here without you. Josh showed me what love really was even tho I’m very young,” she wrote alongside a TikTok video montage of them. “He never failed to put a smile on my face no matter how mad I was at him. Never thought I would miss those little arguments we had over absolutely nothing. Josh was so loved by everyone around him, he was a great friend, and most importantly the best boyfriend. Josh would do absolutely anything for me even when he was at his lowest.”
Read on to learn more about Blackledge and the mark he left on those around him.
TikTok Videos Weren’t His Only Passion
A junior at West Carteret High School in North Carolina’s Morehead City, Blackledge “had a passion for the outdoors and loved being around water, whether fishing or boating with friends,” per his obituary. The teen also participated in wrestling and track at school, and he loved cars and trucks.
Blackledge also detailed his love for taking time away from school via his TikTok account, sharing a post on October 2, 2024, that featured a photo of himself with Gillikin. Blackledge captioned the video, “Weekends are my favorite … because weekends are gf days.”
He Spent Significant Time At Home With His Family
According to his obituary, the star “liked helping his mom with cooking, gardening, and yard work.”
Blackledge also spent time at home with Gillikin, posting a TikTok last February to mark his Valentine’s Day efforts. “I wish I did more,” he captioned a string of photos that showed his bed scattered with fabric rose cut outs, two heart-shaped cushions and a basket of stuffed animals and sweets including Nerds and Reese’s Pieces.
He Was Head Over Heels for His Girlfriend
In addition to Gillikin collaborating on posts with Blackledge, she also served as the subject of multiple TikTok tributes.
On Valentine’s Day itself in 2024, Blackledge reflected on his relationship with Gillikin, posting a series of photos that captured her on a beach, beside him in a bed and out and about with him and friends. “Arguments mean nothing when the person means everything,” Blackledge captioned the post, while setting it to audio of Robin Williams’ Good Will Hunting character, Sean Maguire, speaking about love and loss.
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His final post, shared on November 26, 2024, detailed his adoration for his girlfriend. “Where do I start, I met you almost 2 years ago not knowing how close we would get to know each other now,” the post read. “I don’t know where I’d be at without you and I’m sorry for every single mistake I’ve made since the day I met you. Your [sic] the most beautiful girl to walk the Earth in my eyes and ill never think any different no matter what happens, your [sic] the most caring, loving girl I could’ve ever met. Your personality, eyes, smile, hair, body, voice, and most importantly the way you carry yourself as a person all complete you as the most perfect and precious girl in the world.”
Blackledge continued, “These past 5 months being with you have been the best times of my life and are memories ill never forget and I can’t wait to make more with you in the future. I wish could be grown up already and live the life we dream of. Just know I love you so much Emmie and nobody could ever replace you.”
He Was a Born Entertainer
Blackledge’s “energetic spirit” will be remembered as he was “known for his entertaining nature, often impressing others with backflips,” per his obituary. While lip-syncing featured predominantly throughout his TikTok account, several dance routines were also documented and shared with followers.
Fans Are Invited To Send Tributes and Condolences
Blackledge’s family invited his fans to forward their “condolences and life tributes … to the family” via www.noebrooks.net
Additionally, a celebration of life was held on Sunday, March 23, at Camp Albemarle in Newport.
