TikTok Star Joshua Blackledge's Cause of Death at 16 Revealed
Documents obtained by PEOPLE state that the teen influencer's body was discovered by a family member at his home in North Carolina
Blackledge's girlfriend, Emmie Gillikin, has continued to pay tribute to the late creator with videos and photos celebrating their time togetherTeen influencer Joshua Blackledge's cause of death has been revealed nearly three months after the tragic news broke.
The 16-year-old TikTok star died by suicide, PEOPLE can confirm. Documents from the North Carolina medical examiner's office state that his body was found by a family member at their home in Newport, N.C.
Per the report obtained by PEOPLE, Blackledge died of a gunshot wound to his head. In addition to the weapon, a teddy bear, a note and a picture were discovered at the scene. No drug paraphernalia was present.
The medical examiner documents include observations from Blackledge's family, who said he "exhibited behavioral changes' socially and academically in the year leading up to his death.
The high school junior boasted over 1.1 million followers on TikTok. Blackledge's posts varied between lip-syncing clips, car content and videos taken with his friends and girlfriend, Emmie Gillikin.
Noe-Brooks funeral home published an obituary detailing how Blackledge was honored with a "celebration of life" on March 23. Hundreds of his family, friends and online followers flocked to the funeral home site to share their condolences and mourn the creator in public messages.
They also voiced their grief and shock in the comments section of his social media posts. Blackledge posted his final TikTok on March 14 — a video taken with friends posing by a white truck — and many viewers voiced their disbelief that he died so soon after posting.
Blackledge's girlfriend, whom he mentioned in both his TikTok and Instagram bios, posted a number of tributes to the social media star after his death. She's continued to honor him with her posts over the past few months. On Saturday, June 7, Gillikin shared a photo of her late boyfriend on TikTok for what would've been their 11-month anniversary.
"I wish you were here to be celebrating with me but I know you are up in heaven. I miss you more than anything, each day gets harder and harder but knowing one day I'll be up there with you makes things easier," she captioned the tribute. "Continue keeping me safe Josh I see you every single evening . I love you Josh don't ever forget that, can't wait to see you up there waiting for me."
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health challenges, emotional distress, substance use problems, or just needs to talk, call or text 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org 24/7.
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