Rising TikTok star Joshua Blackledge dead at 16
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A promising young TikTok creator, celebrated for his automotive content and sharing scenes from his youthful adventures with over 1 million fans, passed away last week at the tender age of 16.

Joshua Blackledge died at his home in Newport, North Carolina, on March 18, according to his obituary. His family did not announce a cause of death.

The TikTok star was a junior at West Carteret High School in Morehead City, where he was heavily involved in wrestling and track, his obituary said.

“He was passionate about the outdoors and thoroughly enjoyed being on the water, whether it was fishing or taking a boat ride with friends. He also had a keen interest in cars and trucks,” the statement noted.

“At home, Joshua enjoyed assisting his mom with cooking, gardening, and maintaining the yard. His energetic spirit and entertaining personality were well-known, often leaving others amazed with his backflips.”

At the time of his death, Blackledge boasted around 1 million followers on TikTok. His white BMW car, and most recently a new white truck, were at the heart of his content.

His girlfriend, Emmie Gillikin, was also frequently featured on his account. The two had just celebrated their eight-month anniversary at the beginning of March, according to a post on his TikTok.

Emmie shared various clips of their relationship in a tribute post to Joshua shortly after his untimely death.

“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 [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,” she wrote.

The couple first met a little over two years ago, and one one of Joshua’s top-pinned videos includes a compilation of the two of them that posted on their five-month anniversary.

“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,” he wrote.

A celebration of his life was held Sunday in Newport. The teen is survived by his parents and brother.

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