Overview

• A North Carolina medical examiner concluded that the 16-year-old TikTok influencer died by a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head on March 18.
• Investigators found a teddy bear, a note and a photograph at his Newport home but no evidence of drugs.
• Family members reported that he had exhibited behavioral shifts socially and academically during the year before his death.
• His girlfriend, Emmie Gillikin, has continued to honor his memory through videos and photos marking significant dates.
• Blackledge had amassed more than 1.1 million followers on TikTok and was active in wrestling and track as a junior at West Carteret High School.