At just 30 years old, Tanner Martin faced death the same way he faced life: with open arms, unfiltered honesty, and a heart full of love.
A Goodbye the World Will Never Forget
In a moment that has shaken the internet and stirred hearts across the globe, influencer and father Tanner Martin shared a powerful farewell video — one recorded before his passing, but released just days after.
“Hey, it’s me, Tanner. If you’re watching this… I’m dead.”
Those were his opening words — disarming, raw, and somehow, still delivered with that signature Tanner grin. What followed was not a eulogy, but a celebration. A gentle laugh in the face of fear. A message for his newborn daughter. A thank-you to the strangers who became family.
From Terminal Diagnosis to Fatherhood: A Journey of Miracles
Tanner was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer at just 25. Most would retreat. Tanner chose to live louder. Alongside his wife Shay Wright, he turned his pain into purpose, documenting every twist of their IVF journey, every hospital room moment, and every ounce of hope.
On May 15, 2025, the miracle arrived: a baby girl born into a world Tanner fought like hell to stay in. One last mountain climbed. One last wish granted.
Photos show him in the hospital, cradling his daughter with a kind of peace few ever reach. His eyes? Lit with a father’s pride — and an unspoken goodbye.
“May the Force Be With You” — A Final Sign-Off from a Star Wars Dad
In true Tanner fashion, he signed off his video not with fear, but with joy:
“May the Force be with you… from your angel force ghost.”
It was classic him — part sacred, part silly, all heart.
Shay’s Strength, Their Legacy
Shay, Tanner’s wife and partner in love and war, released the video with a message just as brave. She also shared Tanner’s last wish: to support their daughter’s future through a GoFundMe campaign.
The outpouring was immediate. Thousands donated. Millions watched. The world didn’t just mourn — they rallied.
What Made Him Different
Tanner didn’t wait to die. He raced to live.
He stopped chemotherapy just to gain strength for the birth. He held baby shoes to the camera days before delivery and whispered, “Guess who’s coming in six days.”
Even knowing the clock was ticking, he gave the world a masterclass in how to show up for life.
A Legacy That Will Echo for Years
His story is more than a tragic goodbye — it’s a blueprint for grace.
In his own words:
“Life was awesome. I really enjoyed it while I was here.”
He wasn’t afraid. He wasn’t bitter. He was grateful.
And in doing so, he became a lighthouse for thousands navigating their own storms.