Influencer Tanner Martin had been open about his cancer journey before announcing his own death at age 30.
Martin was diagnosed with stage IV colon cancer in 2020, when he was 25 years old. Five years later, Martin shared in a pre-recorded video that he died.
“Hey, it’s me, Tanner, if you’re watching this, I am dead,” he said via Instagram. “I had a heck of a life. I decided to make this video announcing my death because I saw someone did that, like, a year or so ago, and I think it’s a good opportunity to get all your thoughts out.”
He continued, “Life was awesome. I really enjoyed it while I was here. Hopefully, I believe there’s something after this. I’m excited to meet those people, and hopefully we’re hanging out now and making fun of all you nerds.”
Scroll down for what to know about Martin:
Martin Was Diagnosed With Colon Cancer at 25
Martin was candid about his cancer journey, giving updates to his followers through the years. In March 2024, Martin’s wife, Shay Wright, shared that the couple learned Martin had months left to live.
“I feel a lump in my throat as I’m writing this,” she wrote in a joint Instagram post at the time. “We found out on Wednesday that Tanner has months to live. We don’t have an exact number, because that’s not realistic to give. Although we weren’t super surprised, it’s still hard to hear that confirmation.”
She continued, “He is on a chemo regimen, but it’s only to give him more time. His body is deteriorating, with his liver as the biggest concern. These next months will be so hard, but so beautiful. Every single moment with Tanner is a gift.”
Martin Was Based in Utah
Wright’s Instagram bio reads, “UT • Tanner’s girls 🤍.”
Martin Had a Blog With His Wife
Martin and Wright explained their decision to share their story in their blog, titled “Tanner & Shay Holding Both: Life & Loss.”
“This blog is a place for the messy, beautiful, and brutally honest parts of life,” she wrote on the website. “We talk about cancer, grief, mental health, and end-of-life preparation — not because we have all the answers, but because we’re living it — while also embracing the joy, love, and moments of laughter that make life meaningful, even in the midst of uncertainty.”
She continued, “I’m the main writer here, but Tanner might pop in when he’s up for it. He’s the calm to my storm, the guy who can make me laugh even on the worst days, and the reason I believe in love that lasts.”
Martin Was Married
Martin popped the question to Wright in July 2018. “5 years ago I met the happiest missionary. 6 months ago he became my best friend. And tonight he became my FIANCE. I love you Tanner Martin,” she wrote via Instagram at the time, alongside a photo of her embracing Martin and a close-up image of her ring. The couple tied the knot in October 2018.
Martin Welcomed a Daughter 1 Month Before Death
Martin and Wright shared in November 2024 that they were expecting their first child. The pair’s daughter, Amy Lou, was born the next year.
“Her daddy made it😭💗🫶🏼,” Wright captioned her Instagram May 2025 post, which featured a wooden birth announcement that read, “Our little jiaozi has arrived.” (Jiaozi translates to “dumpling” in Chinese.)
In a subsequent video after announcing his death in June 2025, Martin shared that his final wish was for fans to help financially support Wright and their child. The GoFundMe has raised more than $525,000 of its $750,000 goal.
