The widow of popular influencer Tanner Martin is sharing new insight into her late husband’s health battle, months after he recorded a now-viral video announcing his own death at age 30. Tanner, who documented his cancer journey online, passed away in June at home in Utah, surrounded by family.
In his final message, posted to the couple’s shared Instagram account, Tanner spoke directly to the camera, saying: “Hey, it’s me, Tanner. If you’re watching this, I am dead.” The video, which he recorded in advance, was his way of offering clarity, comfort and gratitude to the many people who followed his journey.
A Young Father Lost After a Four-Year Cancer Fight
Tanner was first diagnosed with colon cancer in 2020 at just 25 years old, sharing updates with followers as he underwent multiple rounds of treatment, surgeries and chemotherapy. Despite moments of remission, the cancer returned in 2021 and later became terminal. He and his wife, Shay, also documented their IVF journey and celebrated the birth of their daughter, AmyLou, in May.
Shay’s father, Steve Wright, described Tanner as someone who remained kindhearted and humorous throughout his illness. “He made you feel like you’re the most important person in the room,” Wright told Good Morning America. “Even when he was super sick, he wanted to just be very real.”
Widow Opens Up About His First Warning Signs
During a recent appearance on The Unplanned Podcast, Shay spoke publicly for the first time about the earliest signs something was wrong. She said the symptoms emerged before his diagnosis, at an age when neither of them imagined cancer could be a possibility.
She explained that Tanner began dealing with persistent bowel and stomach issues – problems they initially assumed were minor or stress-related. She added that he also started struggling with discomfort when sitting for long periods of time, something that later made sense once doctors identified the tumor.
Rising Concerns About Early-Onset Colon Cancer
Tanner’s experience reflects a growing trend: colorectal cancer rates are increasing in younger adults. A 2024 American Cancer Society report found that colon cancer is now the leading cause of cancer death among men under 50 and the second leading cause among women in the same age group.
In his prerecorded farewell, Tanner thanked supporters for helping make his final years “fun and enjoyable” despite the hardships of treatment. He ended with a message encouraging kindness and empathy: “Be kind to each other, assume good intent in other people, and you guys will just have a happy life.”
Shay continues to honor her husband’s legacy online, sharing his story in hopes of raising awareness about early symptoms and encouraging others to advocate for their health.
