The social media community is mourning the loss of rising TikTok star Joshua Blackledge, known to his fans as MommyJoshua. The 16-year-old, popular for his F30 Joshh account, tragically died on March 18, 2025. Blackledge, who entertained over a million followers with lip-sync videos and car showcases, among other content, was a prominent figure on the platform.
Born on August 5, 2008, Blackledge spent his formative years in Newport, North Carolina, becoming a cherished personality within the TikTok sphere. Following reports of his death, tributes have poured in from fans and the wider online community, reflecting the impact of the young social media influencer. Details about his life and career follow.
Early TikTok Career
Blackledge’s initial TikTok post on his F30Joshh account appeared on April 21, 2023. Although a previous account had been suspended, he rapidly re-established himself on the platform, gaining over a million followers in a short period.
High School Years and Interests
According to his obituary, at the time of his passing, Blackledge was a junior at West Carteret High School in North Carolina. He was an active student, participating in wrestling and track. Beyond his academic pursuits, he enjoyed outdoor activities such as fishing and boating with friends. His passion for cars and trucks was also prominent, frequently featured in his online content.
@f30joshh on the tire ho @Rustyn
♬ original sound – BIG YAVO
Family and Personal Life
Blackledge is survived by his parents, Jonathan and Jackie Blackledge, and his brother, Josiah Blackledge. While family details remain private, his obituary mentioned his enjoyment in assisting his mother with household tasks such as cooking, gardening, and yard work. He was also remembered for his “energetic spirit” and entertaining personality, often showcasing backflips.
Relationship with Emmie Gillikin
His girlfriend, Emmi Gillikin, frequently appeared in Blackledge’s TikTok videos. Gillikin confirmed his death through an emotional tribute on March 20, sharing a video montage and expressing her profound grief. In her post, she wrote of Blackledge showing her “what love really was,” highlighting his ability to bring her joy and describing him as a beloved friend and “the best boyfriend.” Gillikin has since deactivated her TikTok account.
Blackledge’s final social media post, published on November 26, 2024, was a heartfelt message dedicated to Gillikin. In the post, he expressed his deep affection for her, stating, “I don’t know where I’d be at without you,” and apologized for past mistakes. He described Gillikin as “the most beautiful girl to walk the Earth” and praised her caring and loving nature. Reflecting on their relationship, he called the preceding five months “the best times of my life” and expressed his hope for their future together, concluding with a declaration of love and commitment.
Cause of Death Undisclosed
The cause of Blackledge’s death has not been publicly revealed.