NASHVILLE, TN — Tanner Martin, a social media creator known for chronicling his battle with late-stage colorectal cancer, has died at the age of 30 — just five weeks after the birth of his daughter.
Martin shared the news himself in a pre-recorded video posted online following his death. “Hey, it’s me, Tanner. If you are watching this, I am dead,” he began, delivering the message with calm and clarity.
A former call center worker, Martin rose to internet prominence by candidly documenting his life after being diagnosed with stage 4 colorectal cancer five years ago. His account, followed by hundreds of thousands, served as a deeply personal journal of his fight against the illness, as well as the emotional highs and lows of becoming a new father while facing terminal disease.
Martin and his wife, Shay, welcomed their daughter, AmyLou, on May 15. The couple had chosen to start a family after early cancer treatments showed signs of success. However, they later revealed the cancer had returned and was no longer treatable.
His final message, posted posthumously, was recorded with the same openness that drew millions to his content. “I had a heck of a life,” he said, reflecting on his experiences. He thanked his viewers for their continued support, calling his final years “fun and enjoyable” despite the challenges.
Martin’s story resonated widely across social media, where he offered daily glimpses into the pain, hope, and love that defined his final chapter.
A gofundme account has been set up for AmyLou and Shay: https://gofund.me/569d8b06
