Tanner Martin, a 30-year-old social media influencer, shared his devastating news of dying after an eight-month fight with colon cancer. He announced this devastating development in a video statement released on social media on June 25, 2025. By sharing his experience with cancer, Martin built a large following. He gave us inspiration and shared his powerful perspective about his courageous battle against the disease.
Having been diagnosed with stage-IV colon cancer at only 25 years old, Martin experienced several obstacles during his treatment. He fought through several rounds of chemotherapy. In June 2021, he rang the celebratory bell to signal what he hoped would be a turning point and the end of one phase of his treatment. Sadly, only a few months later, his late-stage cancer returned as he shared in an update in November 2021.
After suffering through more aggressive therapies, Martin was forced to confront the sobering truth of his prognosis. In a February 2023 update, he shared the heartbreaking news that doctors had told him his cancer was no longer treatable. So, even in the face of these tough realities, he was determined to continue documenting his journey for his loyal followers. In his last video, he thanked his supporters for providing him their support.
“But I love you guys, and seriously, thanks again for all your support and helping to make the last years of my life here on earth fun and enjoyable and helping me be comfortable. I love you guys,” – Tanner Martin
On May 15, 2025, Martin became the father of his first daughter, AmyLou. Even with his persistent health issues, the arrival of his daughter filled him with unshakable happiness. He stayed in a basement flat in Utah. His beloved wife, Shay Martin, was there every step of the way—the peak and pit of his medical journey. Tanner’s father-in-law, Steve Wright, recalled what Tanner’s character meant to him and his family.
“He made you feel like you’re the most important person in the room,” – Steve Wright
Martin’s last video became an accidental yet beautiful goodbye message to his close friends, family, and fans. In it, he stated:
“Hey, it’s me, Tanner. If you’re watching this, I am dead.”
Yet the influencer didn’t just take advantage of this moment to share wisdom with his audience on how to best overcome and respond to life’s obstacles. He encouraged kindness and understanding among individuals.
“Be kind to each other, assume good intent in other people, and you guys will just have a happy life. And anyway, I love you. See ya,” – Tanner Martin
His openness in addressing death helped attract a like-minded following that bridged the mystical with the practical. In reflecting on his life, Martin remarked:
“Everyone, I had a heck of a life.”
Tanner Martin’s journey was marked by resilience and vulnerability as he shared both the struggles and triumphs of living with cancer. He was able to reach and relate to people on every level with social media. To this day, he left an incalculable impact on his students.
