Joshua Blackledge, a 16-year-old TikTok influencer from Newport, North Carolina, passed away suddenly in his home on March 18, 2025. Renowned for his interesting content and high-energy personality, Joshua had accumulated over a million followers on the app.
Joshua entertained his fans with everything from lip-syncing videos to car shows and hanging out with friends and his girlfriend, Emmie Gillikin. His white BMW and later white pickup truck were the norms of his videos. His final TikTok video, posted on March 14, was of him and his friends playing around together.
Joshua’s girlfriend, Emmie Gillikin, posted about her extreme sadness on social media when she posted, “Josh showed me what love was all about, even though I’m actually really young. He never once failed to put a smile on my face, no matter how mad I was with him. Even after these last few days, nothing feels real, and I’m feeling all the feels.”
Joshua’s obituary highlighted his active life as a West Carteret High School junior, member of the wrestling and track teams. He enjoyed outdoor pursuits like boating and fishing, and enjoyed working on trucks and cars. In the household, he assisted with cooking, gardening, and yard work. His dynamic energy was easily evident, often surprising others with his niceness and zest.
The passing of Joshua was a hard hit for his fans and the entire community. His demise received lots of memories and condolences posted on various social media platforms. A memorial was held on March 23, during which friends, family, and fans gathered to say their goodbyes. As soon as the news broke of his death, Emmie denied the rumors that were going around, claiming he was not bullied and loved deeply by anyone he encountered. She pleaded that all nonsense be said over some rumor mill on social media.
Joshua Blackledge’s untimely death has left a void in the hearts of all. His efforts towards the world of TikTok and the joy that he brought to his fans will be remembered forever. Though his loved ones are facing this challenging moment, they keep his memories and legacy close to their heart.
