Teen TikTok influencer Joshua Blackledge, known for his lip-syncing and car videos, died last week in North Carolina.
The 16-year-old high school junior died March 18 at his home in Newport, according to an online obituary. A cause of death has not yet been released.
At the time of publication, the social media personality is followed by 1.1 million people on TikTok, where he also posted content with girlfriend Emmie Gillikin.
Blackledge died four days after his last TikTok — a video highlighting a white pickup truck. The comments section was full of shock and sympathy.
“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,” reads his obituary.
On March 20, Gillikin shared a post dispelling “the rumours going around [about] Josh,” clarifying that he “was never bullied, everyone always loved him as a friend and even as just someone they knew.”
Gillikin has posted several tribute videos following her boyfriend’s death, including one montage, captioned in part, “He was so loved by everyone around him, he was a great friend, and most importantly the best boyfriend.” – New York Daily News/Tribune News Service
