Tanner Martin, 30, Dies After 5-Year Battle With Colon Cancer—Just 41 Days After Welcoming Baby Girl
Tanner Martin, who inspired thousands by openly sharing his five-year battle with colon cancer, has passed away at the age of 30. His death came just 41 days after he and his wife, Shay Wright, welcomed their first child—a daughter.
Tanner was first diagnosed with colorectal cancer in November 2020, at just 25 years old. Since then, he and Shay have documented their journey on social media, building a strong and supportive community through their candor, courage, and hope.
On Wednesday, June 25, Shay shared heartbreaking news in an Instagram post. Accompanying the announcement was a powerful pre-recorded video message from Tanner himself.
“Hey, it’s me, Tanner. If you’re watching this, I am dead,” he said directly to the camera.
“I had a hell of a life,” he continued. “I saw someone do this a year ago and thought it was such a meaningful way to share your thoughts and say goodbye. I wanted to do this video thinking about what Shay might need during this time.”
Still, even in his final words, Tanner held onto his joy and gratitude: “You guys, life was amazing. I had a wonderful experience being here.”
He spoke of what might come next with both curiosity and comfort: “I have faith that something comes after this. I can’t wait to meet those people. We’ll probably be hanging out, making fun of all you geeks.”
Tanner also reflected on the loved ones he had lost before: “There are just so many people I’m excited to see in the afterlife—people no longer in pain, just happy.”
With striking honesty, he admitted, “Death is scary… but it’s also like a new adventure, you know? I’m excited to see what the experience is like. Hopefully, it’s good.”
He closed by thanking the many who supported him: “I love you guys. Seriously, thank you for helping make the last years of my life on Earth fun, enjoyable, and comfortable.”
Shay captioned the emotional farewell video with a tribute: “May the force be with you from our angel force ghost 🤍 See the next video for his wish.”
In a follow-up video posted to YouTube and Instagram, Tanner’s final wish was shared: a request to help support Shay and their newborn daughter through a GoFundMe campaign.
The couple had joyfully announced the birth of their daughter on May 15. On their joint Instagram Story, they shared a tender hospital photo of them cradling their baby girl, captioned simply: “She’s here.”
Since 2020, Tanner and Shay have been documenting his health battle, sharing everything from treatment updates to pregnancy milestones. Their openness fostered a community bound by empathy, strength, and love.
Just days before their daughter’s birth, Tanner gave what would be one of his last updates on May 11. “Just thought I’d hop on here and give you guys a quick update,” he began in a video, his voice weakened by chemotherapy. “I’m doing okay—just really tired.”
He then held up tiny baby slippers, smiling through the fatigue. “Guess who arrives in six days?”
Before ending the video, he blew a kiss to the camera and whispered, “Love you.”
In a heartfelt interview with PEOPLE last November, the couple opened up about their emotional IVF journey, which brought a mix of grief, fear, and joy. Despite the challenges, they felt overwhelming excitement at the thought of becoming parents.
Tanner had also revealed to PEOPLE that, in February 2023, doctors told him his cancer was no longer curable. His life expectancy was estimated at two to five years.
Tanner Martin’s legacy lives on in the courage he shared, the love he gave, and the life he created just weeks before his passing.