Influencer, 30, announces own death in heartbreaking video just weeks after birth of first child
Tanner Martin recorded a video for his followers to be shared once he died
Influencer Tanner Martin announced his death in a video shared on social media after just a few weeks after becoming a dad.
The beloved social media star, 30, documented his life along with his wife Shay Martin since 2020 following his terminal cancer diagnosis.
In the new video, Tanner addressed their 455,000 Instagram followers, saying: “Hey, it’s me, Tanner. If you are watching this, I am dead,” before saying that his last message will be ‘lighthearted’.
Tanner went on to say he had a ‘heck of a life’ and revealed he decided to make a goodbye video announcing his death about a year ago.
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“Life was awesome. I really enjoyed it while I was here,” he shared.
“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.”
Followers have left tributes in the comment section of the video, with one person writing: “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 commenter wrote: “Sending prayers to you and your little girl. Heaven just gained the best angel. Love you.”
And a third Instagram user shared: “I’m so sorry Shay my thoughts and prayers are with you.”
Tanner was diagnosed with colon cancer when he was 25, and was told three years later that the illness could not be cured. Doctors said he had between two and five years left to live.
In the time between November 2020 and October 2024, Tanner underwent more than 50 rounds of chemotherapy and radiation, and six major surgeries, People reports. The couple grew an audience by using social media to keep a diary of sorts of their bucket list adventures following the heartbreaking prognosis Tanner received.
They flew to Ireland to renew their vows, visited Disney World, and went on vacation in Mexico and Italy. Tanner was a huge Star Wars fan and he managed to meet Luke Skywalker actor Mark Hamil. The caption for Tanner’s final video even includes a Star Wars reference.
“May the force be with you from our angel force ghost,” it reads.
“I think it’s important to talk about death, especially for other people in my situation,” Tanner told People in October last year. “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.”
Part of the prep involved working with a death doula, a person who helped the couple with end-of-life planning.
Shay announced in a TikTok post shared in November that she was pregnant, and she gave birth to their daughter AmyLou on May 15, 2025.
Speaking about their decision to have a baby, a caption on a TikTok video announcing the baby news read: "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:
- Change in bowel habits
- Blood in the stool
- Rectal bleeding
- Stomach cramps or pain
- Fatigue
- Tiredness
- Unexplained weight loss
Gregory Robinson