‘If you are watching this, I am dead...’: Popular influencer announces own death in emotional video

Social media influencer Tanner Martin, who courageously shared his battle with stage 4 colorectal cancer online, has died at the age of 30. His death was announced in a moving pre-recorded video that Martin had prepared in advance, shared by his wife Shay Wright on Wednesday via their joint Instagram account.

The video, which lasts just over five minutes, opens with an emotional yet composed Martin addressing his followers directly.

“Hey, it’s me, Tanner. If you are watching this, I am dead,” he says through tears.

Martin, a former call centre worker, was diagnosed with colon cancer in 2020 at age 25. Over the past five years, he documented his treatments, setbacks and moments of hope, drawing in thousands of followers and inspiring many by offering a raw and honest look at life with a terminal illness.

Final message to fans

In his final video, Martin appeared reflective and upbeat, expressing gratitude for his life and the community that had supported him throughout his health journey.

“I had a heck of a life,” he said. “Life was awesome. I really enjoyed it while I was here. Death is scary, but it’s also like a new adventure, you know? I’m excited to see what the experience is like, and hopefully it’s good,” he added.

“But I love you guys, and seriously, thanks again for all your support and helping to make the last years of my life here on earth like fun and enjoyable and helping me be comfortable.”

Martin said he was inspired by others who had recorded farewell messages before their death and hoped his own video would offer clarity and comfort for his loved ones.

“I decided to make this video announcing my death because I saw someone did that, like, a year or so ago, and I think it’s a good opportunity to get all your thoughts out, and then also, you can be thoughtful about what your spouse or your partner might need.”

A life shared online

Tanner and Shay openly chronicled their life together, from his diagnosis and rounds of chemotherapy to the emotional milestones, including Tanner ringing the treatment bell in June 2021. Though the couple celebrated moments of remission, by November 2021 the cancer had returned, and by early 2023, doctors had declared it terminal.

Despite the grim prognosis, the Martins continued sharing their experiences with honesty and hope. They began IVF treatment and joyfully announced the birth of their daughter, AmyLou, on May 15, 2025. In one of their videos, the couple said they had planned the pregnancy during a period when treatments appeared to be working — hope that later turned out to be short-lived.

In one particularly emotional video, Tanner is seen swaddled in blankets, sitting beside his newborn daughter.

As part of his final wishes, Tanner asked viewers to support a GoFundMe campaign created in his daughter’s name.

“For the price of a McChicken you could fund my AmyLou’s legacy fund,”

he joked in his final message, trying to maintain a light tone amid the heavy moment.

Tanner Martin died on the morning of June 25 in the basement apartment he shared with Shay at her parents' home in Utah, according to his father-in-law, Steve Wright. Speaking to Good Morning America, Wright said Tanner’s decision to announce his own death came as no surprise, calling it completely in line with his personality and openness.

Social media was flooded with heartfelt tributes from fans and followers, many of whom had followed Tanner’s journey from the beginning.