Tanner Martin, a well-known influencer, shared a poignant farewell video on social media, announcing his own passing just weeks after welcoming a new baby into the world.
The 30-year-old was widely recognized for chronicling his life alongside his wife Shay Martin since his terminal cancer diagnosis in 2020.
In a heartfelt video message to their 455,000 Instagram followers, Tanner stated: “Hey, it’s me, Tanner. If you are watching this, I am dead,” and promised that his final words would maintain a ‘lighthearted’ tone.
Tanner reflected on his journey, describing his life as a remarkable experience and revealing that he had planned this goodbye video about a year prior.
“Life was awesome. I really enjoyed it while I was here,” he said.
“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.”
Many followers have paid tribute in the comments, with one message reading: “The most special human. Rest in peace sweet Tanner. Sending love and prayers to everyone left behind, especially Shay and your beautiful baby girl.”
Another added: “Sending prayers to you and your little girl. Heaven just gained the best angel. Love you.”
A third sympathizer commented: “I’m so sorry Shay my thoughts and prayers are with you.”
Tanner’s battle began at age 25 when he was diagnosed with colon cancer. Three years later, he was informed that the disease was incurable, with doctors estimating he had two to five years left.
Between November 2020 and October 2024, Tanner endured more than 50 rounds of chemotherapy and radiation treatments, along with six significant surgeries, as reported by People. The couple used social media to share their bucket list adventures, connecting with an audience as they navigated Tanner’s terminal diagnosis.
Their travels included renewing their vows in Ireland, visiting Disney World, and vacationing in Mexico and Italy. A devoted Star Wars enthusiast, Tanner even had the chance to meet Mark Hamill, the actor who portrayed Luke Skywalker. His final video caption featured a nod to the beloved franchise:
“May the force be with you from our angel force ghost,” it states.
Discussing the importance of addressing end-of-life matters, Tanner told People in October of the previous year, “I think it’s important to talk about death, especially for other people in my situation. This is something you want to prep for. You don’t want your spouse to have to plan your funeral and maybe not even have enough money to do so.”
In preparation, they collaborated with a death doula, a professional who aided them with end-of-life arrangements.
In November, Shay revealed her pregnancy in a TikTok post, and on May 15, 2025, she gave birth to their daughter, AmyLou.
Their journey to parenthood was shared in a TikTok caption: “Cancer has taken so much from us. I know you wanted to be a dad so badly, but I got to see you be the best dog dad. We tried IVF and planned to have a baby, but sepsis and your cancer progressing prevented us. Until now.”
Symptoms of colon cancer include: