Gayatri S
In a moment that stunned and moved the internet, beloved social media influencer Tanner Martin announced his own death through a pre-recorded video posted to Instagram on June 25, 2025. The video, which begins with the haunting yet heartfelt words, “Hey, it’s me, Tanner. If you’re watching this, I’m dead,” has since gone viral, sparking an outpouring of grief, admiration, and reflection across the globe.
At just 30 years old, Tanner’s life was cut short by stage 4 colorectal cancer—a battle he fought with unwavering honesty, humor, and grace. But his final message wasn’t just a goodbye. It was a love letter to life, a tribute to his family, and a powerful reminder of what it means to live fully, even in the face of death.
A Journey Shared with the World
Tanner Martin wasn’t a celebrity in the traditional sense. A former call center employee from Utah, he rose to prominence by documenting his cancer journey online. His candid posts, filled with raw emotion and unfiltered truth, resonated with hundreds of thousands. He didn’t sugarcoat the pain, the fear, or the uncertainty—but he also never let go of hope.
Over five years, Tanner transformed from a patient into a beacon of resilience. His followers watched him navigate chemotherapy, surgeries, and setbacks, all while maintaining a sense of humor that became his trademark. He often joked about his condition, not to diminish it, but to reclaim power over it.
The Final Video: A Farewell Like No Other
In the five-minute video posted to the joint Instagram account he shared with his wife, Shay Wright, Tanner appears wrapped in blankets, his voice calm and steady. He explains that he recorded the message in advance so Shay could share it when she was ready, giving her space to grieve without the pressure of public announcements.
“I had a heck of a life,” he says with a smile. “Life was awesome. I really enjoyed it while I was here.”
He goes on to express his belief in an afterlife, his excitement to reunite with loved ones who passed before him, and his gratitude to the community that supported him. He even manages to crack a joke: “Hopefully we’re hanging out now and making fun of all you nerds.”
A Father’s Love: Leaving Behind a Legacy
Perhaps the most heartbreaking part of Tanner’s story is that he leaves behind a newborn daughter, AmyLou—affectionately nicknamed “Jiaozi.” Born just five weeks before his passing, AmyLou was the light of Tanner’s final days. In a separate video, he sits beside her, speaking softly about his hopes for her future.
“There’s a really good chance that Jiaozi will not have any real memories of me,” he says, his voice cracking. “But I hope these videos help her know who I was.”
Tanner’s love for his daughter and wife is palpable in every word. He speaks not just as a man facing death, but as a father determined to leave behind a legacy of love, laughter, and strength.
A Community in Mourning—and Celebration
The response to Tanner’s final video has been overwhelming. Fans, fellow influencers, and even celebrities have shared tributes, calling him an inspiration and a hero. Hashtags like #TannerMartin, #AngelForceGhost, and #LiveLikeTanner are trending across platforms.
A GoFundMe campaign launched in his memory describes him as “a loving husband, a proud father, and a beautiful soul who touched the lives of so many with his courage and humor.” The funds will go toward supporting Shay and AmyLou, ensuring the future Tanner dreamed of for them.
Redefining What It Means to Say Goodbye
Tanner Martin’s farewell wasn’t just a goodbye—it was a masterclass in vulnerability, courage, and intentional living. In a world where death is often hidden behind hospital curtains and whispered condolences, Tanner chose to face it head-on, with a camera, a smile, and a message of hope.
He reminded us that dying doesn’t have to be the end of the story. It can be a final act of love, a gift to those left behind, and a call to live more fully.
Final Thoughts: A Life That Echoes Beyond Death
Tanner Martin may be gone, but his voice, his story, and his spirit live on. In his own words: “Death is scary, but it’s also like a new adventure. I’m kind of excited about it.”
And perhaps that’s the greatest lesson he leaves us with—not to fear the end, but to embrace every moment until it comes.
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