Joshua Blackledge, a 16-year-old TikTok personality from Newport, North Carolina, tragically passed away on March 18, 2025, at his home. At the time of his death, he had amassed over 1 million followers on TikTok, where he shared engaging content featuring his white BMW, truck, and moments with his girlfriend, Emmie Gillikin.
A junior at West Carteret High School, Joshua was actively involved in wrestling and track. He had a deep passion for the outdoors, enjoying activities like fishing and boating with friends, and held a particular interest in cars and trucks. At home, he often assisted his mother with cooking, gardening, and yard work, and was known for his energetic spirit, frequently entertaining others with backflips.
Following Joshua’s passing, his girlfriend, Emmie Gillikin, expressed her grief on social media, writing that he showed her “what love really was” and that he “never failed to put a smile on my face no matter how mad I was at him.”
A celebration of Joshua’s life was held on March 23, 2025, at Camp Albemarle in Newport, attended by family, friends, and fans who gathered to honor his memory.