A young up-and-coming TikToker best known for his car content and giving his more than 1 million followers a glimpse inside his young life tragically passed away last week at just 16 years old. Joshua Blackledge died at his home in Newport, North Carolina, on March 18, 2025, according to his obituary.
His family has not announced a cause of death, leaving many of his friends and followers in shock. At the time of his death, Blackledge was a junior at West Carteret High School in Morehead City, where he was heavily involved in wrestling and track.
The obituary shared by Noe-Brooks Funeral Home described Joshua as having a passion for the outdoors and being around water, whether fishing or boating with friends. He also had a deep love for cars and trucks. “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,” it added.
Joshua frequently featured his girlfriend Emmie Gillikin on his TikTok account, and the couple had just celebrated their eight-month anniversary at the beginning of March. Emmie shared various clips of their relationship in a heartfelt tribute post to Joshua shortly after his untimely death.
“Missing this sweet boy right now. never would’ve thought I would have been here without you. 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,” Emmie wrote on social media. “Even after these past couple days, nothing seems real and I’m feeling all the emotions.”
Joshua was best known for his car content and most frequently featured his white BMW car and most recently a new white truck. His passion for vehicles was evident as he often posted videos working on them, including adding lights to the rims of his cars.
His last TikTok post was on March 14, just four days before his passing. That post featured clips showcasing his white pickup truck and friends, leaving many fans bewildered and grief-stricken at the sudden nature of his death.
In the wake of Joshua’s death, fans took to TikTok to express their grief and disbelief. “There’s no way. I’m praying for Emmie. Rest in peace, Josh,” one fan wrote, echoing the sentiment many felt after hearing the news. Another added, “Rest in peace. You’re gone too soon.”
Emmie also addressed the many rumors circulating after Joshua’s passing, particularly those suggesting he had been bullied. “Hey so the rumors going around abt Josh are not true and people are taking it way too far,” she clarified. “Josh was never bullied. Everyone always loved him as a friend and just someone they knew, so if you don’t really know what happened then don’t spread fake rumors.”
The celebration of Joshua Blackledge's life was held on Sunday, March 23, 2025, in Newport, bringing family, friends, and fans together to remember him. He is survived by his parents, Jonathan and Jackie Blackledge, and his brother, Josiah Blackledge.
As tributes continued to flood social media, the impact Joshua had on those around him became more evident. Many remembered him for his enthusiastic spirit and love for life, sentiments echoed in his obituary. “Joshua will be remembered by those who knew him for his enthusiasm and love for life,” it read, adding, “May his memory bring comfort to all who mourn his passing.”
Emmie said in her tribute, “Even though you are no longer with us I will always remind you of how much you mean to me. We all know you’re watching over us making sure everyone you love is safe, and we are all taking care of each other. We love you, Josh.”
The loss of Joshua Blackledge, a beloved figure in the TikTok community, underscores the fragility of youth and the profound effect one individual can have on many lives, even in a brief time on this earth. Many of his friends and fans will continue to cherish the memories he created through his vibrant personality and engaging content.
