The vibrant online community has been dimmed by the tragic loss of its beloved influencer, Tanner Martin, who succumbed to colon cancer at the tender age of 30, after a courageous multi-year battle. This heart-wrenching news was revealed to his fans through a poignant video posted on the shared Instagram account he maintained with his wife, Shay Martin, in an attempt to ease her grief-laden journey.
"Hey, it's me, Tanner," the influencer began in the poignant June 25th video. "If you're watching this, I'm no longer here. I lived a life full of adventure and passion. I chose to create this video to announce my passing because I once saw someone do the same, and I felt it was a beautiful way to share my thoughts and consider the needs of my beloved spouse."
Anticipating that Shay would require "some time to mourn," Tanner continued, "I wanted to craft a message that she could share, allowing you all to know and giving her the respite she needs from social media."
Addressing his fans directly, Tanner, who was diagnosed with cancer in 2020, expressed his heartfelt gratitude for their unwavering support throughout his health struggle. He encouraged them to continue extending their kindness to Shay and their daughter, AmyLou, affectionately known as Jiaozi, who joined their family on May 15th. "Thank you for everything you did for me during my time here," he said. "For the love and support you showered upon me and my little family. Now, I humbly request your prayers and support for my sweetheart Shay and my baby girl Jiaozi."
Tanner also cast a hopeful gaze towards the afterlife, sharing his aspirations of reuniting with loved ones. "Life was incredible. I cherished every moment," he revealed. "I believe there's something beyond this, and I'm eager to meet those I've cherished. Perhaps we're already laughing and jesting at the expense of you all."
"Death is daunting, yet it's also a fresh adventure," he continued. "I'm a touch excited about it, not in a suicidal sense, but in anticipation of the unknown experience. I hope it's wonderful. I adore you all and thank you from the bottom of my heart for making my final years joyful and comfortable."
With a final heartfelt note, Tanner added, "I cherish you all. Be kind to one another, see the goodness in others, and you'll lead a life filled with happiness. Love you. Until we meet again."
Following Tanner's passing, another video was shared on his account, encapsulating his "last wish" for his supporters. In it, Tanner, accompanied by AmyLou lying beside him, pleaded with his fans to uphold his legacy by supporting his daughter and wife in his absence. "I humbly ask you to help raise Jiaozi," Tanner said. "We'll launch a GoFundMe to fill the gap I'll leave behind."
The GoFundMe page specified that part of the funds would be utilized as a down payment for a "humble starter home" for Shay and AmyLou – "a space for growth, healing, and remembering Tanner, a place truly their own."
