Joshua Blackledge, a popular TikToker, has tragically died at just 16 years old.
Joshua Blackledge has died aged 16. Credit: Instagram / @mommyjoshuaaa
According to an obituary, the social media influencer died on March 18 at his home in Newport, North Carolina.
Blackledge, a junior at West Carteret High School, was known for his viral videos that often featured him lip-syncing, hanging out with friends, or spending time with his girlfriend, Emmie Gillikin, per 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, as tributes continue to pour in from across the internet.
Blackledge’s obituary described him as an outdoorsy teen who “loved being around water, whether fishing or boating with friends,” and someone who had a special place in his heart for “cars and trucks”.
It added: “At home, Joshua liked 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.”
No cause of death has been released.
His girlfriend, Emmie Gillikin, shared her grief online in a heartfelt post on March 20, cited 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 days nothing seems real and I’m feeling all the emotions.”
As speculation swirled online, Gillikin addressed rumors surrounding his death in 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.”
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 are so so deeply missed josh and I am so so glad you are in a better place then here LLJ”
Another tribute read: “Knowing that Joshua is not here anymore it breaks my heart and we all miss him so much.”
A comment added: “To Josh’s family and friends im so very sorry for your loss I wish I could’ve spoke 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 tho 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 gf, and even though everyone loved him, he’ll still be missed. LLJ.”
Our thoughts are with Blackledge’s loved ones at this difficult time.
