Latest news with #WestCarteretHighSchool
Express Tribune
26-03-2025
- Automotive
- Express Tribune
TikTok star Joshua Blackledge dies at 16 in North Carolina, fans mourn viral car content creator
Joshua Blackledge, a rising TikTok star known for his car videos and upbeat personality, has died at age 16. According to his obituary, he passed away at his home in Newport, North Carolina, on March 18. The cause of death has not been publicly disclosed by his family. A junior at West Carteret High School in Morehead City, Blackledge was active in wrestling and track. Outside of school, he loved the outdoors—particularly fishing and boating with friends—and had a deep passion for cars and trucks. At home, he enjoyed helping his mother with cooking, gardening, and yard work. Known for his high energy and entertaining nature, he often impressed others with his backflips. Blackledge had built a following of around one million on TikTok, where he frequently showcased his white BMW and, more recently, a new white truck. His girlfriend, Emmie Gillikin, was also a familiar face on his account. The couple had recently celebrated their eight-month anniversary in early March. In a heartfelt tribute, Gillikin shared clips of their relationship, writing: 'Josh showed me what love really was… he never failed to put a smile on my face no matter how mad I was at him.' She added that the days following his death didn't feel real and that she was 'feeling all the emotions.' The two first met over two years ago, and one of Blackledge's most popular pinned videos featured a compilation of their time together, originally posted for their five-month anniversary. A celebration of his life was held on Sunday in Newport, where family and friends gathered to honor his memory. He is survived by his parents and younger brother.
Yahoo
25-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
TikToker Joshua Blackledge Dead at 16
Originally appeared on E! Online TikTok is mourning the loss of a young star. Joshua Blackledge—who had more than 1 million followers on the social platform—died at his home in North Carolina on March 18, according to an online obituary. He was 16. 'Joshua was a junior at West Carteret High School, where he was involved in wrestling and track,' the obituary, shared by Noe-Brooks Funeral Home, read. 'He had a passion for the outdoors and loved being around water, whether fishing or boating with friends. He also had a love for cars and trucks.' His loved ones added that Joshua liked helping his mom, Jackie Blackledge, with cooking, gardening, yard work, and that 'he had an energetic spirit,' often known to entertain others with backflips. 'Joshua will be remembered by those who knew him for his enthusiasm and love for life,' the obituary continued. 'May his memory bring comfort to all who mourn his passing.' In addition to his mother, Joshua is survived by his father Jonathan Blackledge as well as his brother Josiah Blackledge. More from E! Online Happiest Baby Apologizes for Asking Influencer to Return Bassinet After Baby's Death Katie Thurston Fears Cancer Has Reached Stage 4, Treatment Paused After Spots Found on Liver Ben Affleck Breaks Silence on Jennifer Lopez Divorce No further details, including Joshua's cause of death, have been shared publicly at this time. E! News has reached out to police and the coroner's office for comment but has not heard back. Joshua's last post to TikTok was on March 14, featuring clips of him and his friends around a white pickup truck. It was here that many fans went to express their disbelief and sadness of the teenager's passing. As one user wrote, alongside a broken heart emoji, 'Rest in peace. You're gone too soon.' Following Joshua's passing, his girlfriend Emmie Gillikin—whom he'd been dating since last summer and often featured on his TikTok account—shared a post dedicated to her late love featuring clips from throughout their relationship. 'missing this sweet boy right now,' Emmie captioned the March 20 tribute. 'never would've thought i would have been here without you. josh showed me what what love really was even tho im very young he never failed to put a smile on my face.' In addition to sharing her disbelief that he's gone, she added, 'josh was so loved by everyone around him, he was a great friend, and most importantly the best boyfriend. we miss you so much josh watch over us and keep us safe.' For the latest breaking news updates, click here to download the E! News App
