TikTok star Joshua Blackledge has suddenly died aged 16.
Blackledge, a junior at West Carteret High School in North Carolina, had over one million followers on TikTok.
The young social media star would post videos of himself lip singing, along with clips of his friends and girlfriend Emmie Gillikin.
The 16-year-old amassed a huge following, with his videos gaining viral attraction regularly.
Tributes are now pouring in following the devastating announcement of Blackledge’s passing.
One person writes: “Death is so scary because what do you mean he will never post again? Rest in paradise.”
“This does not feel real, I have followed him for years,” another comments. “So sad. I wish this was a joke.”
“I can’t believe he’s passed away so young. My heart breaks for Emmie. I hope she finds peace,” a third adds.
A fourth responds: “I can’t believe this is true, he will be missed so much. Thinking of his family and girlfriend.”
Blackledge’s last post to TikTok was on March 14, a video of a white pickup truck with his friends enjoying themselves.
His girlfriend, Gillikin, has been sharing updates of her grief on the social media platform.
In a montage of the couple, she writes: “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… Even after these past couple of days, nothing seems real, and I’m feeling all the emotions.”
Gillikin also cleared up rumors regarding her boyfriend’s death: “Hey so the rumors going around about Josh are not true, and people are taking it way too far. Josh was never bullied.
“Everyone always loved him as a friend and even just someone they knew, so if you don’t really know what happened, then don’t spread fake rumors.”
According to the obituary, the influencer died on March 18 at his home in Newport, North Carolina.
It reads: “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.
“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.
“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.”
Blackledge’s cause of death has not yet been confirmed.
The social media star is survived by his parents, Jonathan and Jackie Blackledge, and brother, Josiah Blackledge.
