The world of social media is no stranger to stories of courage, but few have touched hearts like Tanner Martin’s. The 30-year-old Utah native captured the attention of thousands by sharing his raw, unfiltered journey with stage four colon cancer, leaving a legacy that’s both heartbreaking and inspiring.
In a move that’s as poignant as it is unprecedented, Tanner announced his passing in a pre-recorded video, just weeks after welcoming his first child with wife Shay.
On 25 June, followers of the couple’s social media account were greeted with a video captioned, ‘May the force be with you from our angel force ghost.’
The video began with Tanner’s warmth and wit: ‘Hey, it’s me, Tanner. If you’re watching this, I am dead.’
It was a message that stunned and moved his community, many of whom had followed his five-year battle with cancer.
Tanner’s approach to his final message was as unique as his journey. He reflected on his life with gratitude and humour, saying, ‘Life was awesome. I really enjoyed it while I was here.’
He spoke candidly about his hopes for what came after and even managed to inject a bit of levity: ‘I’m excited to meet those people, and hopefully, we’re hanging out now and making fun of all you nerds.’
Tanner’s story is not just about illness, but about how we face the inevitable. Diagnosed in 2020, he endured more than 50 rounds of chemotherapy and radiation, and six major surgeries.
By 2023, doctors told him the cancer was incurable, giving him a prognosis of two to five years. Yet, rather than retreat, Tanner chose to document his experience, opening up conversations about mortality, legacy, and the importance of planning for the end.
‘I think it’s important to talk about death, especially for other people in my situation,’ he said.
‘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.’
His candour about the practicalities of dying—something so many of us shy away from—was a gift to his followers and family alike.
Perhaps the most bittersweet part of Tanner’s story is the timing of his passing. Just seven weeks before his death, Shay gave birth to their daughter, Amy Lou.
The couple’s journey to parenthood was fraught with challenges, including IVF treatments, sepsis, and the ever-present shadow of Tanner’s illness.
But in May, Tanner witnessed the birth of his daughter—a moment Shay described as a ‘miracle’ and a testament to their resilience.
Shay shared the news of her pregnancy in a touching social media video. The video shows Tanner doting on their dog before revealing the ‘biggest surprise yet’.
The couple’s joy was palpable in a photo shoot announcing the pregnancy, complete with confetti, teddy bears, and a pacifier for Tanner. It was a celebration of hope in the face of heartbreak.
Tanner’s willingness to share his journey—warts and all—has resonated with people worldwide. His story reminds us that social media, for all its flaws, can be a place of genuine connection and support.
By documenting his highs and lows, Tanner helped others feel less alone in their struggles and encouraged open conversations about topics we often avoid.
His legacy is not just in the memories he leaves behind but also in the conversations he started. For many, Tanner’s story is a call to cherish every moment, talk openly about our fears, and plan for the future—even when it’s uncertain.
As news of Tanner’s passing spread, tributes poured in from followers, friends, and fellow cancer warriors.
Many have expressed gratitude for his honesty, humour, and dignity in facing the end. Others have shared their stories of loss and survival, inspired by Tanner’s example.
Have you or someone you love faced a similar journey? How do you feel about sharing personal stories online, especially about illness and loss? Do you think it helps others, or is it too much? We’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
Let’s keep Tanner’s spirit of openness and connection alive—because, as he showed us, we’re all in this together.
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