Influencer announces own death in heartbreaking video just weeks after welcoming his first child
Topics: News, Social Media, Instagram, Health, Life
Madison Burgess
Featured Image Credit: Instagram/tannerandshay
Topics: News, Social Media, Instagram, Health, Life
An influencer has announced his own death in a heartbreaking pre-recorded video, following a battle with cancer.
Tanner Martin, 30, was diagnosed with stage four colon cancer five years ago, has kept his 548,000 Instagram followers updated as he fought the disease.
He leaves behind his wife Shay Wright and their baby daughter AmyLou, who the couple welcomed just 41 days before his passing.
Tanner was diagnosed at just age 25 back in November 2020 and since then has built up a community of loving supporters.
Advert
In a video shared to Tanner’s Instagram page, which he shares with Shay, on Wednesday (25 June), he delivered the tragic news.
He opened the clip by saying: “Hey, it’s me, Tanner. If you’re watching this, I am dead.”
Tanner then, seemingly keeping in high spirits at the time, told his followers: “I had a heck of a life. 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.
“But you guys, life was awesome. I really enjoyed it while I was here.”
You can watch the full video below:
The influencer mused: “Hopefully, I believe there's something after this. I'm excited to meet those people, and hopefully we're hanging out now and making fun of all you nerds.”
He went on to speak about family members and friends he was looking forward to 'seeing in the afterlife,'
Tanner continued: “I mean there’s just a lot of people that, for the afterlife, I’m excited to see them and excited to see them not in pain and just happy and I’m really excited to see my uncle Dave.
“He used to give the best hugs and I’m excited to feel that embrace again. I don’t know, I’m like, death is scary but it’s also like a new adventure, you know?
“And I’m kind of excited for it a little bit, but not like I wanna kill myself or anything, but I’m excited to see what the experience is like and hopefully it’s good.”
He ended the tear-jerking video by thanking fans for their love and support and for 'helping to make the last years’ of his ‘life here on earth like fun and enjoyable’ and helping him be comfortable.'
Shay paid tribute to her husband in the caption, where she wrote: “May the force be with you from our angel force ghost🤍 see the next video for his wish.”
A later second video then revealed that the influencer’s last request was to help raise donations on GoFundMe to help his wife and their daughter with their future financial needs. You can donate here.
Fans of Tanner also rushed to the comments to pay tribute, calling him the ‘most special human’ with a ‘precious soul.’
One follower wrote: “I’m so sorry Shay. His spirit will always live on and you have the most amazing guardian angel now. We are praying for you to have comfort and feel him all around you!!!”
Another quipped: “The most special human. Rest in Peace sweet Tanner. Sending love and prayers to everyone left behind, especially Shay and your beautiful baby girl.”
“Oh Tanner… I’m so glad he did this for you Shay it’s beautiful. Sending prayers to you and your little girl. Heaven just gained the best angel. Love you,” added a third.