Joshua Blackledge, TikTok star from North Carolina, dies at 16

TikTok creator Joshua Blackledge, best known for his car content that he shared with his more than 1 million followers, has died. He was 16.

The junior at West Carteret High School died March 18 in his home in Newport, North Carolina, according to his obituary from Noe-Brooks Funeral Home. His cause of death was not announced.

“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,” the obituary from Noe-Brooks Funeral Home read.

Blackledge was known to have an “energetic spirit” and “entertaining nature” with a passion for the outdoors and a love for cars. He also enjoyed helping his mother with “cooking, gardening, and yard work,” the obituary added.

Blackledge, who amassed over 1 million TikTok followers, was known for posting content featuring a white Ram truck.

Rustyn Gambardella, a friend of Blackledge who was often featured in his videos, shared a statement to TikTok on Thursday.

“Losing a person you view as a brother is one of the worst things I’ve been through,” Gambardella said. “Josh always made me happy being around him and we had so many memories together. He will be greatly missed.”

Emmie Gillikin, Blackledge’s girlfriend, shared a tribute to social media shortly after his death, E! News reported. The couple celebrated their eight-month anniversary in early March.

“Missing this sweet boy right now. never would’ve thought i would have been here without you,” Gillikin wrote in a TikTok post. “Josh showed me what love really was even [though] im 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 im feeling all the emotions.”