Influencer Tanner Martin, 30, announces own death in recorded video following 5-year cancer battle
Influencer Tanner Martin has died aged 30 after a five-year battle with stage 4 colon cancer, announcing his own death through a pre-recorded video posted on Wednesday.
The 30-year-old’s passing came just 41 days after he and wife Shay Wright welcomed their first child, daughter AmyLou, on May 15.
Wright shared the heartbreaking news via Instagram, featuring Martin speaking directly to camera in his final message.
“Hey, it’s me, Tanner. If you’re watching this, I am dead,” he began, maintaining the same charm that had earned him a devoted following.
The couple had documented Martin’s cancer journey since his diagnosis in November 2020 at age 25, building a supportive online community through their candid updates about treatment, setbacks and family milestones.
Martin received his stage 4 colon cancer diagnosis in November 2020 when he was just 25 years old.
The influencer had been documenting his health journey alongside Wright for five years, sharing updates about his treatment and its effects.
In February 2023, doctors delivered devastating news that his cancer was no longer curable. Medical professionals estimated he would have between two and five years to live.
Despite the terminal prognosis, Martin continued sharing his experiences openly on social media. In a May update, he spoke about how chemotherapy had made his voice “really hoarse,” though he remained positive about his daughter’s imminent arrival.
The couple had faced fertility challenges during his illness, undergoing IVF treatment that ultimately led to AmyLou’s birth in May 2025.
In his farewell video, Martin reflected on his life with remarkable positivity. “I had a heck of a life,” he said. “Life was awesome. I really enjoyed it while I was here.”
He spoke candidly about death, describing it as both frightening and intriguing.
“Death is scary, but it’s also like a new adventure, you know? I’m excited to see what the experience is like, and hopefully it’s good.”
Martin expressed enthusiasm about reuniting with deceased family members, saying he was “excited to see them not in pain and just happy.”
He thanked his supporters for making his final years “fun and enjoyable,” adding that their support had helped him “be comfortable.”
The video concluded with his characteristic humour, joking about “making fun of all you nerds” in the afterlife.
The couple announced their pregnancy in November 2024, with Wright acknowledging the complex emotions involved. “While we are definitely excited, we are also experiencing grief, fear and anxiety,” she told People at the time.
Their daughter AmyLou was born on 15 May, with the couple sharing a photo from the hospital bed. Martin had recorded messages for his daughter’s future milestones, including her wedding day.
In a second video shared on Wednesday, Martin made his “last wish” known, directing followers to the family’s GoFundMe page. He had no life insurance, and the campaign has raised substantial support for Wright and AmyLou.
Wright captioned the farewell video: “May the force be with you from our angel force ghost,” before directing viewers to his final request.