'Death is a new adventure': Tanner Martin announces his own death, 41 days after the birth of his daughter

Time of India

2 days ago

Tanner Martin
, a 30-year-old
social media influencer
from Utah, has died following a five-year battle with stage four
colorectal cancer
. He announced his death himself—in a five-minute pre-recorded video shared by his wife Shay Wright on 25 June via Instagram. The post was uploaded just over a month after the birth of their daughter,
AmyLou
.
Martin's final message began plainly: 'Hey, it's me, Tanner. If you're watching this, I am dead.' He looked frail but calm. His voice held warmth, even in goodbye.
A father's last words
'I had a heck of a life,' Martin said in the clip. 'Life was awesome. I really enjoyed it while I was here.'
He explained why he made the video: '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 thanked his followers and loved ones. 'Thanks again for all your support and helping to make the last years of my life here on earth like fun and enjoyable and helping me be comfortable.'
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A new adventure awaits
Throughout the video, Martin reflected on death with a mix of fear and hope. 'Death is scary, but it's also like a new adventure, you know?' he said. 'Hopefully there's something after this, and I'm excited to meet those people.'
He added, 'I'm excited to see them not in pain and just happy.' Martin mentioned he looked forward to meeting his wife's father and his own grandfather.
He signed off simply: 'Anyway, that's what I wanted to share… Love you.'
A life shared online
Tanner Martin was a former call centre worker who began documenting his
cancer journey
online after being diagnosed with stage four colorectal cancer in 2019. His honesty, dry humour and unflinching updates drew in more than 450,000 followers. They watched as he went through cycles of treatment, moments of hope, and—eventually—decline.
In February 2023, Martin told People magazine that his cancer was no longer curable. He had been given a life expectancy of two to five years.
Even then, Martin held on to hope. That same year, when his health briefly stabilised, he and Shay decided to start a family. AmyLou was born on 15 May 2025.
The joy was brief. Within weeks, his condition worsened again.
'For the price of a McChicken…'
In a follow-up video also released by Shay, Martin is seen wrapped in blankets, holding baby AmyLou. He asked viewers to support her future by donating to a
GoFundMe campaign
.
He added with a laugh, 'For the price of a McChicken you could fund my AmyLou's legacy fund.'
The fundraiser describes Martin as 'a loving husband, a proud father, and a beautiful soul who touched the lives of so many with his courage and humour, even in the face of terminal illness.'
The page also reveals that Martin did not have life insurance, and that providing security for his daughter was his last request.
The response to Martin's farewell has been overwhelming. Followers flooded Shay's posts with messages of sympathy, admiration, and heartbreak.
'I am so glad Tanner was able to meet AmyLou and have Father's Day with her,' one user wrote.
Another added, 'Heaven just gained the best angel. Love you.'
A third said, 'Tanner was truly an inspiration! My heart aches for you all.'
Shay captioned the final video with a nod to the couple's love for Star Wars: 'May the force be with you from our angel force ghost.'
She also shared additional clips explaining his last wishes and asking the community to support AmyLou's future.
Tanner Martin may be gone. But his story—told in his own words, through laughter, tears, and unshakable hope—continues to echo online.
In his death, he left behind something rare: a goodbye that felt like a gift.