Utah Influencer Tanner Martin Dies at 30 After Public Battle With Stage 4 Colon Cancer

SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH — June 27, 2025 — Tanner Martin, a Utah-based influencer and advocate who touched hundreds of thousands of lives by sharing his battle with terminal cancer on social media, has died. He was 30 years old.

Martin was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer in 2020 at just 25. In the years that followed, he turned his personal fight into a public mission—using platforms like TikTok and Instagram to shed light on the realities of living and dying with cancer, and the emotional toll it takes on patients, families, and caregivers alike.

His deeply personal videos, often recorded from hospital beds or treatment rooms, captivated viewers across the country. From educating followers about early symptoms and treatment options to offering raw glimpses into the pain and perseverance of terminal illness, Martin became a voice of courage and vulnerability in an online world often dominated by filters and façades.

In his final video, which was planned and scheduled by Martin before his death, he addressed his followers one last time.

“Everyone, I had a heck of a life,” he said, smiling into the camera. The clip has since gone viral, prompting an outpouring of grief and reflection from fans, cancer survivors, and families around the world.

Martin passed away just days after welcoming his first child—a baby girl—with his wife, Shay Wright. The couple, who frequently appeared together in videos and livestreams, shared that becoming parents had been one of their greatest hopes, even amid the uncertainty of his condition.

Images shared by the family show Martin cradling his newborn daughter, surrounded by loved ones. Friends and followers described the moment as “heartbreaking and beautiful,” symbolizing both an ending and a beginning.

A Journey Shared

What made Martin’s story resonate so widely was his decision to live—and die—publicly. Rather than shielding the world from the difficult reality of his prognosis, he welcomed viewers into every stage of the experience. He spoke about preparing advance directives, organizing hospice care, saying goodbye to loved ones, and leaving a legacy for his daughter.

“Death is not a failure,” Martin said in a video posted earlier this year. “It’s a part of life. And we need to talk about it. We need to plan for it. And we need to love harder because of it.”

Beyond his personal story, Martin used his platform to promote cancer screenings, particularly among young adults. Colorectal cancer—once considered rare in people under 50—has been on the rise in recent years, and Martin became a powerful advocate for early detection and public education.

He also worked to normalize end-of-life planning and helped followers understand the value of palliative care, quality time, and peace in the final chapters of life.

Remembered as a Beacon of Strength

“Tanner taught people how to live, not how to die,” said one follower in a tribute post. “Through his honesty, his humor, and his heart, he helped thousands of strangers feel less alone.”

Wright, now a widow and new mother, shared a moving message on social media just hours after Martin’s passing.

“My heart is shattered, but I know he left this world exactly the way he wanted to—on his terms, surrounded by love, and having met our daughter,” she wrote. “Tanner wasn’t just my husband. He was the strongest, kindest, bravest person I’ve ever known.”

A memorial service will be held in Salt Lake City in the coming weeks. The family is asking for privacy during this time and has requested that donations in Martin’s memory be directed to colon cancer research organizations and hospice care programs—two causes he championed until his final days.

A Legacy That Lives On

As tributes continue to pour in from across the globe, Tanner Martin is being remembered not only for his vulnerability and strength—but for his legacy of love, truth, and purpose.

His final message continues to echo in the hearts of many:

“Check on your people. Especially the ones who stay quiet.”

Martin’s story may have ended, but his message—and the impact of his life—will endure for years to come.