Rising TikTok star Joshua Blackledge dead at 16
Share and Follow

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.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Texas man Charles Victor Thompson convicted of 2 fatal shootings becomes the 1st person executed in the US this year

Texas Executes Charles Victor Thompson, Marking First US Execution of the Year for Double Murder Conviction

HUNTSVILLE, Texas — A Texas man who once managed to escape from…
Bill Belichick and Jordon Hudson 'engagement' whisper among friends

Rumors Swirl About Bill Belichick and Jordon Hudson’s Engagement

Bill Belichick and Jordon Hudson are being encouraged to organize an extravagant…
Woman lured to puppy sale shot, body set on fire in South Carolina, police say

Tragic Turn: Woman Fatally Attacked in South Carolina During Puppy Sale Encounter

In a disturbing incident out of South Carolina, a woman tragically lost…
Brother of maniac who sprayed Rep. Ilhan Omar calls him a 'piece of s--t' with 'hatred' of Somalis

Outrage Erupts: Brother Condemns Hatred-Fueled Attack on Rep. Ilhan Omar

The man captured on video aggressively approaching Rep. Ilhan Omar with a…
Ex-Sangamon County Sheriff's Deputy Sean Grayson sentenced to 20 years in shooting death of Sonya Massey

Former Deputy Sean Grayson Sentenced to 20 Years for Fatal Shooting of Sonya Massey: Justice Served in Sangamon County

In Springfield, Illinois, former Sheriff’s Deputy Sean Grayson has been handed a…
NFL quarterback slams his head coach days after Super Bowl failure

Super Bowl Fallout: Star NFL Quarterback Criticizes Head Coach in Post-Game Clash

Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix has openly criticized head coach Sean Payton…
Fourth Maine plane crash victim identified as Hawaiian chef

Identity of Fourth Victim in Maine Plane Crash Confirmed as Renowned Hawaiian Chef

A Hawaiian chef has been confirmed as one of the six individuals…
Woman airlifted to safety after plunging 150 feet down Los Angeles cliffside

Woman Rescued via Airlift After 150-Foot Cliff Fall in Los Angeles

A dramatic rescue unfolded in California on Wednesday when a woman was…