Not many people get to say goodbye the way they want to.
But Tanner Martin, a beloved influencer known for his candid humor and positive spirit, did just that—even in his final moments.
The 30-year-old, who had been battling colorectal cancer for five years, passed away this week, but not without leaving a message that moved his entire community to tears.
A Pre-Recorded Goodbye That Came Straight From the Heart
On Wednesday, Tanner’s wife, Shay Wright, shared a powerful video on his Instagram—recorded by Tanner himself before his death.
He began it with a bit of his usual humor:
“Hey, it’s me, Tanner. If you’re watching this, I’m dead.”
Then, with a soft laugh, he made light of the heavy moment in true Tanner fashion.
He explained how he got the idea to record his own farewell from someone else who had done the same, saying it gave him the chance to express all he needed to say.
Welcoming a New Life While Saying Goodbye to His Own
Just 41 days before his death, Tanner and Shay had celebrated a life-changing moment—the birth of their daughter, AmyLou.
Their joy was palpable in the pictures they posted, holding their newborn close.
But Tanner knew his time was short, and he addressed that in the video with quiet strength and deep love.
His voice was raspy, his energy low, but the smile never faded.
“Life was awesome,” he said. “I really enjoyed it while I was here.”
Finding Light in the Darkness
As Tanner reflected on the end of his life, he spoke with a sense of peace and even curiosity.
“Death is scary,” he said, “but it’s also like a new adventure.”
He imagined meeting loved ones who had passed before him, free from pain, reunited in joy.
That optimism struck a chord with so many watching.
Despite what he was going through, Tanner stayed hopeful, even playful—joking that maybe in the afterlife, he and his loved ones were “making fun of all you nerds.”
Gratitude That Reached Across the Screen
As his message neared the end, Tanner made sure to thank his fans.
He credited them for making the last few years of his life enjoyable, filled with support and love.
“Thank you for helping me be comfortable,” he said. “I love you.”
It wasn’t just a goodbye—it was a gift.
A reminder to find joy even in pain, and to hold onto connection in the darkest of times.
Shay’s Moving Tribute and Tanner’s Final Wish
Alongside the video, Shay shared a caption that read:
“May the force be with you from our angel force ghost.
See the next video for his wish.”
In a second clip, filmed in the same room, Tanner appeared even weaker.
Wrapped in a blanket and seated on a sofa, he cradled baby AmyLou beside him.
His voice barely rose above a whisper as he spoke about his daughter—knowing she would grow up without memories of him, yet determined to leave something behind for her.
A Call for Support From the Community
Tanner ended that final video by asking his followers to do something meaningful—support his wife and daughter.
He pointed viewers to a GoFundMe account set up in their name, a way to help Shay and AmyLou navigate the future without him.
He wasn’t just asking for donations.
He was asking his community—the one he had built online over the years—to stay close, to help carry on the love he could no longer give in person.
A Legacy of Laughter, Love, and Unshakable Courage
Tanner Martin’s life may have been cut short, but the impact he made is profound.
He didn’t just share his highs—he shared his pain, his doubts, and his final days with honesty and grace.
His farewell wasn’t a goodbye—it was a lasting echo of who he was: funny, fearless, and deeply human.
He leaves behind not just memories, but a message that continues to resonate: life is short, love hard, and leave nothing unsaid.