Who Was Tanner Martin?
Tanner Martin was a Utah-based social media influencer whose candid documentation of his battle with stage 4 colon cancer inspired hundreds of thousands around the world.
Known for his authenticity, humor, and resilience, Martin turned his personal fight into a public journey, offering hope and perspective to others facing similar challenges.
He passed away at the age of 30, just 41 days after welcoming his first child, a daughter named AmyLou, with his wife, Shay Wright.
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Tanner Martin’s Personal Life
- Age at Death: 30 years old.
- Family: Married to Shay Wright; father to newborn daughter AmyLou (born May 15, 2025).
- Background: Former call center worker before his cancer diagnosis.
- Residence: Lived in Utah, spending his final days in the basement apartment of his in-laws’ home.
Martin and Shay’s love story became a central part of his online presence. Their relationship, wedding, travels, and ultimately, the birth of their daughter, were all shared openly with their followers. The couple’s transparency about infertility, IVF, and the emotional toll of terminal illness resonated with many.
Career and Social Media Impact
Tanner Martin’s career as an influencer began after his cancer diagnosis at age 25 in 2020. He started sharing his journey on Instagram and TikTok, quickly amassing a large following—over 450,000 on Instagram alone—by offering an unfiltered look at life with terminal cancer. His content included:
- Honest updates about treatments, setbacks, and small victories.
- Reflections on mortality, faith, and gratitude.
- Moments of humor and joy, even in the darkest times.
- Advocacy for cancer awareness and support for others facing illness.
Martin’s openness inspired viral support, leading to the creation of a nonprofit, Rebels Against Cancer, and a GoFundMe campaign to support his family after his passing.
How Did Tanner Martin Die?
Tanner Martin died from stage 4 colon (colorectal) cancer, a disease he had battled for five years. He was diagnosed in 2020 after experiencing persistent abdominal pain and constipation.
By the time of diagnosis, the cancer had already metastasized to his liver, making it terminal.
Final Days and Legacy
Martin’s death was announced in a pre-recorded video posted to Instagram by his wife on June 25, 2025.
In the video, he spoke directly to his followers, expressing gratitude, love, and a sense of peace about his life and impending death. He also used the moment to advocate for support for his wife and daughter, asking for donations to help secure their future.
"Hey, it's me, Tanner. If you're watching this, I am dead... Life was awesome. I really enjoyed it while I was here. Death is scary, but it's also like a new adventure, you know?" —Tanner Martin, final video message
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Social Media Tributes and Community Response
Tanner’s passing sparked an outpouring of tributes across social platforms. Followers, cancer survivors, and even prominent influencers shared condolences and memories. His story was covered by major outlets, and his final video garnered millions of views.
Timeline: Tanner Martin’s Cancer Journey
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 2020 | Diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer at age 25 |
| 2021 | Celebrated ringing the treatment bell after initial remission |
| Nov 2021 | Cancer returned |
| Feb 2023 | Declared terminal; life expectancy given as 2–5 years |
| 2024 | Attempted to start a family via IVF during a period of stability |
| May 15, 2025 | Birth of daughter AmyLou |
| June 25, 2025 | Tanner Martin passes away at age 30 |
Tanner Martin’s Lasting Message
Martin’s story is a testament to resilience, hope, and the power of community. His willingness to share his journey, including the most vulnerable moments, has left a lasting impact on cancer awareness and the importance of cherishing life.
FAQ
Question 1: Who was Tanner Martin?
Answer: Tanner Martin was a Utah-based influencer who documented his five-year battle with stage 4 colon cancer, inspiring hundreds of thousands with his honesty and humor.
Question 2: How did Tanner Martin die?
Answer: He died from stage 4 colon cancer on June 25, 2025, at the age of 30.
Question 3: What was Tanner Martin’s cause of death?
Answer: Terminal stage 4 colon (colorectal) cancer.
Question 4: Did Tanner Martin have children?
Answer: Yes, he had a daughter named AmyLou, born just 41 days before his death.
Question 5: What was Tanner Martin’s final wish?
Answer: He requested donations to a GoFundMe to support his wife and daughter’s future, as he did not have life insurance
Disclaimer:
The information provided in this article is based on publicly available reports and personal accounts shared by Tanner Martin and his family through social media platforms. The views and content shared in this article are intended for informational purposes and reflect Tanner Martin’s own journey and advocacy for cancer awareness.
