Tanner Martin, a 30-year-old social media influencer, courageously shared his journey with colon cancer. On June 25, 2025, he posted a gut-wrenching TikTok to announce his own death. Martin’s journey was marked by his unwavering spirit and dedication to raising awareness about the disease that affected him since he was just 25 years old.
After being diagnosed with colon cancer in 2018, Martin unapologetically used his platform to raise awareness about what it’s like to live with cancer. He recorded his journey, from the early stages of wrestling with shock diagnosis to the treatments he tried. In June 2021, he celebrated 30 years of continuous recovery. After finishing his treatment, he was able to ring the celebratory bell, a potent symbol of hope that cancer patients can find in shared experience.
The reprieve was short-lived. So in November 2021, Martin was heartbroken to learn that his cancer had returned. This announcement marked the beginning of a new chapter in his fight against the disease. By February 2023, doctors delivered devastating news: Martin’s cancer was terminal. Even with this gloomy outlook, he kept tweeting to his fans, motivating thousands with his fighting spirit and upbeat demeanor.
On May 15, 2025 Tanner and his wife Shay gave birth to their first child, a daughter named AmyLou. As happy as this time was, it posed some new challenges for Martin. Yet he found himself on the verge of fatherhood, traversing that exciting but rocky road while fighting a terminal cancer diagnosis. In his last issue-oriented video, Martin thanked his YouTube community for their steadfast support through each twist and turn on his journey. He identified Shay and their newborn daughter as the two for whom he wanted prayers in particular, knowing how hard things would be for them without him.
Martin and his wife had to move into a basement apartment in Utah. Against all odds, they created a full life, rich with love and support—far from the isolation threatened by his disability. His father-in-law, Steve Wright, recalled Tanner as someone who was kind and who looked for the good in people. He focused on Tanner’s sunny disposition. It profoundly affected the lives of thousands and impacted every life in his orbit.
Besides promoting his own fight with colon cancer, Martin wanted to spread the word about the disease and the importance of getting screened early. He was an advocate for rigorous but fair debate over health topics, especially those that are stigmatized or awkward. His authenticity demystified the entire cancer experience. Importantly, it created a powerful sense of solidarity with others running the same races.
As news of Tanner Martin’s passing circulates online, tributes and condolences pour in from fans and fellow influencers who admired his courage and authenticity. Thousands of you have written in to tell us how his story motivated you. It encouraged them to take higher medical recommendations or assist their family members in preventing illness.
