TikTok Star Joshua Blackledge Dies at 16 — Grieving Girlfriend Speaks Up

The North Carolina teen and rising social media star has died, prompting heartfelt tributes, including from a girlfriend who had recently denied bullying rumors.

Joshua "Josh" Jeremiah Blackledge, a 16-year-old TikTok personality from Newport, died unexpectedly at his home on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, according to Noe-Brooks Funeral Home in Morehead City.

A junior at West Carteret High School, Blackledge competed in wrestling and track and was known for his lively, outgoing nature. He loved being outdoors — especially fishing and boating — and had a passion for cars. At home, he often helped his mother with gardening and cooking.

His obituary describes him as someone who "will be remembered by those who knew him for his enthusiasm and love for life." A celebration of life is scheduled for Sunday, March 23, at 2:00 p.m. at Camp Albemarle in Newport.

He is survived by his parents, Jonathan and Jackie Blackledge, and his younger brother, Josiah. He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Nancy and Felizardo Rebala, and paternal grandparents, D. Eddy and Margaret Ann Blackledge.

After his death, tributes poured in across social media. His girlfriend, Emmie Gillikin, posted a short TikTok video with the caption, "will never be over."

In another post, she shared a photo of the two together inside a car. The overlay text read, "you gave me the world before you left it and taught me true love before teaching me true loss." She wrote in the caption, "even tho everything happens for a reason i'm missing this boy a whole lot."

Just days before his death, Gillikin addressed speculation that Blackledge had been bullied in a separate post.

At the time, she wrote, "hey so the rumors going around abt josh are not true and people are taking it way to far, josh was never bullied. eveyone always loved him as a friend and even as just someone they knew so if you don't really know what happened then don't spread fake rumors thank you [sic]."

Followers quickly responded with emotional comments. One user wrote, "he looked at you with sm love in his eyes [sic]," while another said, "you guys were gonna get married." Others offered condolences, "I'm so sorry I'm praying for you, your family, his family and y'all's friends. Your never alone emmie we are all here for you LLJ 🍀💚 [sic]."

A few days earlier, on March 15, Blackledge had shared what would be his final post — a video of a white pickup truck in a driveway. The caption read, "on the tire ho @Rustyn."

One notable message from Blackledge to Gillikin, posted in November 2024, reflected how much their bond had grown. He wrote that he never imagined they would become so close over two years. "I don't know where id be at without you and im sorry for every single mistake ive made since the day I met you [sic]," he wrote.

The teen described her as "the most beautiful girl to walk the Earth in my eyes" and "the most caring, loving girl I could've ever met." He called their five months together "the best times of my life" and said he looked forward to a future with her. "Just know I love you so much Emmie and nobody could ever replace you," he shared.

The message accompanied a video montage of the couple, showing everyday moments they shared — smiling together, eating out, and spending time with friends. The text on top of the video reads, "Thanksgiving is almost here so I just want you to know how much you mean to me ml 💗."

News of Blackledge's death comes two months after the passing of another TikTok personality two months ago.

Chris O'Donnell, widely known as Creeohdee on TikTok for his humorous videos that resonated with millions, has died at 31. An online obituary confirmed his passing on Saturday, January 11.

According to E! News, the Maricopa County Medical Examiner's office confirmed that the fitness influencer's death was ruled a suicide. Just one day before his passing, O'Donnell shared what would become his final Instagram post. It featured a meme and a photo of him wearing a cowboy hat, accompanied by a simple caption, "That they do."

O'Donnell, a resident of Gilbert, Arizona, shared glimpses of his life beyond content creation in an Instagram post from December 2022. "I am a two time college drop out," he wrote, reflecting on the wide range of jobs he had held, including working as a pool boy in Florida and at a salmon processing plant in Alaska.

"I have experienced many different walks of life in my short span of time here on earth, and I love learning about other cultures and beliefs that make me challenge my own," he added.

He also shared his passion for adventure and the outdoors. "I love beauty, and I find nothing more beautiful than the world we live in. Being able to travel and capture sights that take people's breath away, thus planting the seed of adventure within them is one of the most fulfilling rewards for me (this side of my content will be growing a lot moving forward)," O'Donnell explained.

His two dogs, Blue and Riley, often accompanied him on these adventures, which he frequently documented for his followers.

Beyond his love for nature, O'Donnell found joy in creativity. "I thoroughly enjoy art in nearly every medium, whether it be photography/videography, painting, sculpture, drawing, or music, and I create works of my own in my spare time," he said.

A passionate advocate for mental health and substance abuse awareness, O'Donnell spoke candidly about his struggles. He got sober in 2018 and worked tirelessly to support others in finding the treatment they needed.

He wrote, "I have been outspoken about mental health since I was speaking about it as a YL leader in high school, and have been transparent about my own struggles in the hopes it will help others along their own path."

He also reflected on the value of genuine connections in a digital world, acknowledging that while he found fulfillment in uplifting others, he often preferred solitude and was selective about letting people into his life.

He concluded his post by encouraging his followers to look beyond the curated personas on social media and to value a more authentic view of others.

Weeks before his death, O'Donnell posted a reflective video montage of scenic landscapes he had explored in November 2024. "I wonder when I leave this earth, when I leave the rat race, when I'm lying in the dirt, if you'd remember my face," he captioned the post.

Followers who visited his post after the news of his untimely death were deeply moved. A user wrote, "We will brother 💔 wish I woulda rode bulls sooner with you. Tonight we honored you at the chip. You are so deeply loved man. Everyone misses you. Really wish I could have gotten to know you better. Gave your mom a tight hug [sic]. 😭"

A fellow commenter added, "We will brother. I love you ❤️," while another heartbroken supporter assured the late content creator, "I will 😢."

More fans flooded O'Donnell's Instagram page with messages of love and grief. "I cannot believe this. Rest in peace my friend 😢," one user commented. Another said, "Love you always, you didn't deserve it to go like this at all ❤️."

Someone else stated, "Incredibly saddened to hear the news. May you fly high. God bless you and your family. Rest in peace ❤️🪽."

O'Donnell's sudden passing has left fellow creators in shock and mourning.

TikTok creator and fitness coach ironsanctuary, whose real name is Kevin Clevenger, expressed his sorrow, "One day I'll find peace in knowing you're not in pain anymore, but today my heart aches that you're gone. I love you. @Chris O'Donnell."

While fans, friends, and family are deeply saddened by this loss, O'Donnell has undoubtedly left behind a lasting legacy of his cherished presence.

If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), text "help" to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741, or go to suicidepreventionlifeline.org.