Tanner Martin—beloved TikToker, advocate, and source of strength for so many—passed away on June 25 at just 30 years old. But before he left this world, he fulfilled the one wish that kept him fighting through the hardest days: to live long enough to meet his daughter.
And he did.
👶 A Father’s Mission, Accomplished
After five years of battling stage 4 colon cancer, Tanner defied the odds one last time. On May 15, he and his partner, Shay Wright, welcomed their daughter, Amy Lou, into the world. Hospital photos captured that quiet, powerful moment: Tanner and Shay, side by side, cradling their newborn in a shared hospital bed, their faces full of love and awe.
Amy Lou arrived safe. Tanner was there to hold her, kiss her tiny cheeks, and whisper his love into her life.
🎥 His Goodbye, In His Own Words
In a pre-recorded farewell posted after his passing, Tanner spoke directly to the camera—peaceful, steady, and somehow still full of light.
“Hey, it’s me, Tanner. If you’re watching this, I’m dead. But life was awesome. I really enjoyed it while I was here.”
With trademark humor and grace, he spoke of death not with fear, but with curiosity—wondering what might come next, smiling at the thought of seeing lost loved ones again. Most of all, he thanked the community that had carried him through, and left words of comfort for Shay and Amy Lou.
“I wanted this goodbye to help them through what’s next.”
💫 A Love That Fought the Clock
Tanner and Shay’s story wasn’t just about cancer. It was about courage, humor, and hope—the kind that clings on when everything else feels uncertain. Together, they shared that story with millions on TikTok and Instagram, showing not just the struggle, but the joy, the laughter, and the quiet strength that bound them.
“May the force be with you from our angel force ghost,” Shay wrote, honoring their shared love of Star Wars and the bond that even death couldn’t break.
🌱 A Legacy for Amy Lou
Tanner’s final wish went beyond meeting his daughter—he wanted to help provide for her future. A GoFundMe was set up, inviting his community to be part of the life he dreamed of giving her. The response was immediate, with fans remembering him not only as a fighter, but as someone who made them laugh, think, and feel seen, even as he faced his own battle.
🕊️ The Quiet Hero Who Taught Us All
In one of his final Instagram videos, Tanner—voice weakened from chemo but spirit undimmed—held up a tiny pair of baby slippers and whispered with a smile:
“Guess who arrives in six days.”
That was May 11.
Four days later, he became a father. Forty-one days later, he became a memory. But a memory that will never fade.
Tanner didn’t just leave behind a daughter. He left behind a guide—for how to love bravely, grieve openly, and smile through the storm. He showed the world what it means to be present, even at the end.
He held her.
He let go.
And in doing so, he gave her the gift of a father’s unwavering love—one that will echo in her heart forever.
“Check on your people. Especially the ones who smile the most.” 🕊️💔
