Some goodbyes are too profound to be left to others to say.
That’s why influencer Tanner Martin, even in his final days, chose to speak for himself—sharing his last message to the world in a heartfelt video that’s now gone viral.
Tanner, who had spent the last five years fighting colorectal cancer, passed away at just 30 years old.
And in a touching, pre-recorded video posted to Instagram by his wife, Shay Wright, he announced his own death in the most Tanner-like way: with honesty, humor, and love.
A Final Message from Tanner Himself
The video, filmed before his death and posted on Wednesday, begins with Tanner looking into the camera and softly saying, “Hey, it’s me, Tanner. If you’re watching this, I am dead.”
He then lightened the mood with a gentle laugh—his way of disarming even the heaviest of moments.
Tanner explained that he wanted to deliver the news himself, inspired by someone else who had done the same.
“It’s a good opportunity to get all your thoughts out,” he said.
Just 41 days earlier, Tanner and Shay had celebrated a huge milestone—the birth of their first child, a daughter named AmyLou.
As he spoke, it was clear he was balancing immense pride in becoming a father with the deep sadness of knowing he wouldn’t be around to raise her.
Reflecting on Life, Death, and What Comes Next
Despite his frail voice and weakened state, Tanner radiated positivity as he looked back on his life.
“Life was awesome,” he said with conviction.
“I really enjoyed it while I was here.”
He shared his belief that there’s something beyond this life and spoke about the joy he looked forward to in reuniting with loved ones who had passed on before him.
“I’m excited to see them not in pain, and just happy,” he said with warmth.
Even in facing the unknown, Tanner remained curious.
“Death is scary,” he admitted, “but it’s also like a new adventure, you know? Hopefully it’s good.”
Love, Gratitude, and One Last Thank You
Before wrapping up the video, Tanner made sure to thank the people who had supported him throughout his journey.
“I love you guys,” he said to his followers. “Thank you for helping to make the last years of my life here on Earth fun, enjoyable, and comfortable.”
He ended with a smile—and a legacy of hope and gratitude.
A Devastating Second Video with His Baby Girl
Later that same day, Shay shared a second video.
This time, Tanner appeared visibly weaker.
He sat wrapped in a cozy blanket, resting on a sofa, and beside him, little AmyLou slept peacefully on a pink pillow.
With a shaky voice, he acknowledged something heartbreaking: his daughter likely wouldn’t remember him.
But even in that sadness, he turned his message outward, urging fans and friends to help support Shay and AmyLou after his passing.
He asked those who could to contribute to a GoFundMe campaign created in their name—a way to help secure their future.
A Family’s Heartbreaking Goodbye
Tanner and Shay had only just announced the birth of AmyLou on May 15, sharing joyful pictures of themselves cradling their newborn.
Their happiness, though brief, was deeply felt.
Shay captioned Tanner’s farewell video with a message full of love and tribute: “May the force be with you from our angel force ghost.”
Tanner’s passing is a loss felt deeply not only by his family, but by thousands who followed his journey.
But in true Tanner fashion, even in death, he managed to leave behind light, laughter, and love.