Tanner Martin, a 30-year-old content creator, shared some heartbreaking news with his followers shortly after becoming a dad.
He’d been sharing his life online with his wife, Shay, since 2020, right after he found out he had terminal cancer.
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Tanner recorded his final message ahead of time
Before he passed, Tanner made a video to be posted once he was gone.
He opened it by saying, “Hey, it’s me, Tanner. If you are watching this, I am dead,” and mentioned that he wanted the message to feel kind of lighthearted.
He said he’d had “a heck of a life” and explained he recorded this goodbye video about a year earlier.
“Life was awesome. I really enjoyed it while I was here,” he said.
“Hopefully, I believe there’s something after this. I’m excited to meet those people, and hopefully we’re hanging out now and making fun of all you nerds.”
Even the caption on the post gave a little nod to one of his favorite things. “May the force be with you from our angel force ghost,” it read.
His cancer journey began in his mid-twenties
Tanner got the diagnosis at 25. A few years later, doctors told him the cancer couldn’t be cured.
They gave him a rough timeline of two to five years left.
He went through dozens of treatments and surgeries
Between late 2020 and late 2024, he had over 50 chemo and radiation treatments.
He also went through six major surgeries, according to People.
The couple opened up their life to the internet
After finding out the cancer was terminal, Tanner and Shay decided to start sharing their life online.
It became like a digital diary where they documented their time together, including all the stuff they wanted to experience before it was too late.
They made sure to create some incredible memories
They flew to Ireland to renew their vows. Went to Disney World. Took trips to Mexico and Italy.
Tanner loved Star Wars, and he even got to meet Mark Hamill, who played Luke Skywalker. That meant a lot to him.
Tanner wanted to make death less scary to talk about
In an interview with People in October last year, he said, “I think it’s important to talk about death, especially for other people in my situation.”
He added, “This is something you want to prep for. You don’t want your spouse to have to plan your funeral and maybe not even have enough money to do so.”
He and Shay even worked with a death doula to help plan everything.
Welcoming a daughter was part of their plan
In November, Shay posted on TikTok that she was pregnant. Their baby girl, AmyLou, was born on May 15, 2025.
In the caption, Shay wrote, “Cancer has taken so much from us. I know you wanted to be a dad so badly, but I got to see you be the best dog dad. We tried IVF and planned to have a baby, but sepsis and your cancer progressing prevented us. Until now.”
People showed up with love and support
After Tanner’s final video went up, his followers filled the comments with love.
One person wrote, “The most special human. Rest in peace sweet Tanner. Sending love and prayers to everyone left behind, especially Shay and your beautiful baby girl.”
Another said, “Sending prayers to you and your little girl. Heaven just gained the best angel. Love you.”
Someone else added, “I’m so sorry Shay my thoughts and prayers are with you.”
He helped others learn what to watch for
Tanner also raised awareness about colon cancer symptoms.
These can include changes in bowel habits, blood in your stool, rectal bleeding, stomach pain or cramps, fatigue, and unexplained weight loss.
