PROVO, Utah — Tanner Lee Martin, 30, passed away on Friday, June 13, 2025, after an inspiring and deeply public battle with stage 4 colon cancer that began in November 2020.
Diagnosed at just 25, Tanner endured relentless treatments—including over 50 rounds of chemotherapy, radiation, and multiple surgeries—as well as more than 100 emergency room visits in the Salt Lake area before his health declined rapidly in recent months.
Despite the prognosis, Tanner and his wife Shay courageously embraced life. In a poignant celebration, they held a “living funeral” last May at a movie theater, surrounded by 200+ friends and family, where Tanner was able to see the impact of his own life and hear heartfelt tributes in real time.
Amid this turmoil, they embarked on the IVF journey and welcomed their daughter, AmyLou, on May 15, 2025. Tanner held his newborn close shortly after her birth, creating moments of profound connection amid sorrow.
Tanner’s resilience was also reflected in quieter victories. While hospitalized and unable to type due to chemo side effects, he completed his bachelor of arts degree—professors even delivered his diploma to their home during one of his hospital stays.
A social media voice for early-onset and colorectal cancer, Tanner and Shay used TikTok to document their journey, raising awareness and comforting others facing similar challenges as part of what the Washington Post called the “Generation Cancer” movement.
Survivors include his wife Shay, daughter AmyLou, his parents, grandparents—including his Catawba Nation grandfather—extended family, and countless friends and online followers touched by his story. As is typical in his family, long life was the norm, making Tanner’s premature death all the more poignant.
Tanner Lee Martin will be remembered not only for his remarkable courage and grace under pressure but also for leaving a legacy of hope, authenticity, and love. In his own words and actions, he showed the power of celebrating life, even against the toughest odds.
