Tanner Martin Shares His Final Goodbye in Emotional Video Just Weeks After Welcoming First Child

In a deeply emotional farewell that has touched hearts around the world, influencer and young father Tanner Martin passed away at the age of 30 following a courageous five-year battle with stage 4 colon cancer.

His story is one of resilience, love, and strength in the face of unimaginable odds—a journey that now serves as a powerful legacy for his wife, Shay Wright, and their newborn daughter.

A Journey of Hope and Heartache Tanner Martin was just 25 years old when he received his stage 4 colon cancer diagnosis in November 2020. Despite the grim prognosis, Tanner chose to live with purpose and positivity. Together with Shay, he began documenting his experience, sharing honest and uplifting updates that quickly resonated with a growing online community.

On May 15, 2025, Tanner and Shay welcomed their first child—a beautiful baby girl—after years of trying and ultimately undergoing IVF treatment. The joy of fatherhood lit up Tanner’s final weeks, as evidenced in intimate Instagram photos of the couple cradling their newborn daughter together in a hospital bed.

A Final Message from Tanner On June 25, Shay posted a pre-recorded video of Tanner announcing his own passing. “Hey, it’s me, Tanner. If you’re watching this, I am dead,” he began with disarming calmness. What followed was a mix of heartfelt gratitude, wry humor, and spiritual reflection—a message of peace for his loved ones and followers.

“Life was awesome. I really enjoyed it while I was here,” he said. “Hopefully there’s something after this… and we’re hanging out now, making fun of all you nerds.”

He spoke lovingly of family members who passed before him and expressed excitement to see them again. “Death is scary, but it’s also like a new adventure,” he shared. “I’m excited to see what the experience is like.”

A Legacy of Support and Community Throughout his battle, Tanner and Shay created a compassionate digital family. Their social media platforms became a haven of honesty, love, and encouragement. From raw updates about treatment to joyful pregnancy milestones, every post was met with overwhelming support.

In his final message, Tanner thanked his followers for helping make his last years meaningful: “Thanks again for all your support and helping to make the last years of my life here on earth fun and enjoyable.”

Carrying Forward Tanner’s Wish Alongside the video, Shay shared Tanner’s last wish—a heartfelt plea to support a GoFundMe fundraiser designed to ensure a stable future for her and their daughter. Tanner’s legacy lives not only in memory but in action, as thousands continue to contribute to the cause.

“May the Force Be With You” A lifelong Star Wars fan, Tanner signed off his video with a gentle smile: “May the Force be with you, from your angel force ghost.”

In a follow-up video, Tanner revealed that he had stopped chemotherapy briefly to gain strength for the baby’s arrival. Clutching tiny baby slippers in one clip, he shared, “Guess who arrives in six days,” his eyes gleaming with hope.

A Story That Inspired Millions In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE in late 2024, Tanner opened up about the duality of joy and grief as he anticipated fatherhood while battling an incurable illness. Doctors had informed him in early 2023 that his cancer was no longer curable, estimating a life expectancy of just two to five years. Tanner defied time with bravery and an unshakable will to live fully.

Now, his story serves as a reminder of what it means to fight with grace, to love without limits, and to say goodbye with dignity. Tanner Martin may have left this world, but his message, his humor, and his heart continue to shine brightly for all who followed his journey.