A POPULAR 16-year-old TikTok star has tragically died – and the circumstances around his death remain a mystery.
Joshua Blackledge died at his home in Newport, North Carolina, on March 18, according to his obituary.
The cause of his untimely death has not been revealed.
The lively teen content creator had gathered over a million loyal followers on TikTok.
Fans were drawn to his lip-syncing videos and clips of him hanging out with friends.
His heartbroken girlfriend, Emmie Gillikin, wrote on social media: “Missing this sweet boy right now. never would’ve thought i would have been here without you.”
She continued: “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 days nothing seems real and I’m feeling all the emotions.”
Joshua’s final TikTok post was uploaded on March 14, where he filmed himself hanging out with friends in a white pickup truck.
He leaves behind his grieving parents, Jonathan and Jackie Blackledge, and his brother Josiah.
A celebration of Joshua’s life was held on Sunday, according to an obituary from Noe-Brooks funeral home.
The statement said that Joshua was a junior at West Carteret High School, where he was involved in wrestling and track sports.
[bc_video account_id=”5067014667001″ application_id=”” aspect_ratio=”16:9″ autoplay=”” caption=”TikTok star famed for ‘mukbang’ vids of him gorging food dies at 24″ embed=”in-page” experience_id=”” height=”100%” language_detection=”” max_height=”360px” max_width=”640px” min_width=”0px” mute=”” padding_top=”56%” picture_in_picture=”” player_id=”pV1KxHf2t” playlist_id=”” playsinline=”” sizing=”responsive” video_id=”6369891634112″ video_ids=”” width=”640px”]His other passions included being on the water – whether fishing or boating – and cars and trucks.
The commemoration continues: “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’s fans were gutted to hear the news, and flooded TikTok with tributes.
One wrote: “There’s no way. I’m praying for Emmie. Rest in peace Josh.”
Another chimed in with: “Rest in peace. You’re gone too soon.”
His girlfriend has been forced to shutdown rumours that have been swirling in the wake Joshua’s death.
She wrote on Thursday: “Hey so the rumors going around abt 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.”