Beloved Utah-based influencer Tanner Martin has died at age 30 after a five-year battle with stage 4 colorectal cancer, but in true Tanner fashion, he made sure his fans heard the news directly from him. In a deeply emotional and courageous move, the late content creator announced his own death through a pre-recorded Instagram video shared by his wife, Shay Wright, on Wednesday, just 41 days after the couple welcomed their first child, a daughter named AmyLou.
“Hey, it’s me, Tanner. If you’re watching this, I am dead,” he said in the video, cracking a smile as he tried to lighten the heartbreaking moment. “I had a heck of a life.” The couple, who had documented Tanner’s cancer journey online with raw honesty and an unwavering sense of humor, kept fans close as they navigated the highs and lows of his terminal illness. Diagnosed in 2020 after experiencing stomach pains and digestive issues, Tanner learned the devastating news that the cancer had already spread to his liver. Despite treatments, doctors told him in 2023 that his condition was no longer curable.
Tanner Martin Says Goodbye in Emotional Final Message Beside Newborn Daughter
Still, Tanner kept his trademark optimism until the very end. “Life was awesome. I really enjoyed it while I was here,” he said in the video. “I believe there’s something after this. I’m excited to meet those people, hopefully we’re hanging out now and making fun of all you nerds.” His voice, weak and raspy, never lost its warmth as he acknowledged the pain of leaving behind his wife and their newborn baby girl. “Death is scary, but it’s also like a new adventure,” he shared. “Hopefully, it’s good.”
In her caption, Shay wrote, “May the force be with you from our angel force ghost. See the next video for his wish.” The second clip, even more heart-wrenching, showed a visibly frail Tanner wrapped in a blanket on the couch, his newborn daughter AmyLou sleeping beside him. With quiet determination, he urged viewers to support Shay and AmyLou through a GoFundMe set up in their name. “She’s probably not going to remember me,” he said softly, “but I hope you help her remember how much I loved her.”
Tanner and Shay welcomed their daughter on May 15, just months after joyfully announcing the pregnancy in November. Despite the heartbreaking reality of Tanner’s diagnosis, the couple’s excitement was palpable as they looked forward to starting a family. One of their biggest concerns, that Tanner’s cancer might be hereditary, had largely been ruled out, bringing some comfort during the bittersweet milestone.
A tender video of Tanner meeting his daughter for the first time captured a powerful moment: “Sweetheart, I’ve been so excited to meet you,” he whispered. “I love you so much … I’ve been waiting for this for so long.” Though his time was cut tragically short, Tanner Martin left behind a legacy of hope, humor, and heartfelt honesty. His final message, one of gratitude, love, and acceptance, has already touched millions. “I love you guys,” he said in his parting words. “Thank you for your support and helping to make the last years of my life fun and enjoyable. And helping me be comfortable.”
