Rising social media star passes away at home in North Carolina
Popular TikTok influencer Joshua Blackledge has tragically passed away at the age of 16. According to an obituary, Blackledge died at his home in Newport, North Carolina, on March 18. While the cause of death has not yet been disclosed, the news has left his fans and loved ones in mourning.
Blackledge, who gained over a million followers on TikTok, was known for his engaging lip-sync videos and lighthearted clips featuring his friends. His sudden passing has shocked his devoted online community, many of whom have taken to social media to express their grief.
Girlfriend pays tribute, urges people to stop spreading rumors
Following the heartbreaking announcement, Blackledge’s girlfriend, Emmie Gillikin, shared a heartfelt tribute on social media.
“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.”
Gillikin also addressed speculation surrounding Blackledge’s passing, urging people to refrain from spreading misinformation. In a TikTok post, she clarified, “The rumors going around about Josh are not true, and people are taking it way too far. Josh was never bullied. Everyone always loved him as a friend and even just someone they knew. If you don’t really know what happened, don’t spread fake rumors.”
Fans and loved ones pay tribute
A “celebration of life” was held in Blackledge’s honor on Sunday, March 23, as noted in an obituary shared by Noe-Brooks Funeral Home. Friends, fans, and family members flooded the obituary site with condolences, remembering the young influencer for his positivity and charm.
In a pinned TikTok post from November last year, Blackledge reflected on his relationship with Gillikin, revealing that they had met two years earlier and had been dating for five months at the time. His final TikTok video, posted on March 14, showed him smiling with friends by a white truck—just days before his passing. Many viewers returned to the video to express their shock and disbelief, leaving heartfelt messages in his memory.
Survived by family
Joshua Blackledge is survived by his parents, Jonathan and Jackie Blackledge, as well as his brother, Josiah. His passing has left a profound impact on those who knew and followed him, marking a devastating loss in the online creator community.