Shay Wright Responds to Over $720K in Donations After Husband’s Death

28 June 2025

Tanner and Shay Wright with their dog, Luke. Credit : Shay Wright

When Shay Wright lost her husband, Tanner Martin, to stage 4 colon cancer earlier this week, she didn’t just face the devastating emotional toll of losing a partner and father to their newborn daughter.

The 30-year-old influencer and her supporters were also thrust into a race against financial insecurity. But in the wake of tragedy, something powerful happened: within days, their community raised over $720,000, a buoying gesture that has offered comfort, stability, and a profound sense of connection.

Tanner Martin’s passing on June 25 closed a five-year chapter that began with his diagnosis at just 25. Together, he and Shay chronicled his journey through treatment and hope on their shared platforms, building a devoted following and an intimate digital archive of their life together.

Shortly before he died, Tanner recorded a deeply moving message announcing his own death and laying out his final wish: to provide for his wife and baby girl, AmyLou, who was born in mid-May. He urged followers to contribute to a GoFundMe aimed at securing their future. The initial goal of $250,000 was reached almost immediately; within a day, donations swelled past $400,000, and total contributions have now exceeded $720,000.

In an emotional update on the campaign page, Shay Wright spoke with raw sincerity. She described a quiet afternoon spent with her hand over her heart, feeling the weight of the outpouring of generosity. Reflecting Tanner’s hopeful sentiment that “the internet could be a beautiful place,” she expressed gratitude for the kindness flowing in from around the world. TikTok and Instagram followers, friends, and even strangers, all offering solidarity in their grief.

Shay emphasized that the funds mean far more than economic support. They represent a lifeline and a testament to Tanner’s enduring spirit. More than the financial cushion covering essential needs from infant care to future education they have imbued her with hope and a sense of being seen.

She wrote that the donations have allowed small moments of joy, even happy tears, as she feels Tanner’s continuing care from beyond. In a gesture of meaningful legacy, Shay announced that 25 percent of any funds above $500,000 would be donated to Rebels Against Cancer, an organization close to Tanner’s values. Another 25 percent will fund the Tanner Martin Memorial Scholarship at Utah Valley University, honoring the tenacity and warmth he brought to his life and struggles.

Tanner’s own message, recorded in the days before he died, carried the same blend of frankness and hope. He expressed gratitude for the life he lived, acknowledged the difficulty his absence would pose, and requested that his fans step forward to lighten her burden. “It will help replace my income. It will help pay for babysitting. It will help for school, for her wedding. All these things that normally Shay and I would do together. If I’m gone, it’s gonna be really hard for Shay to do on her own,” he explained.

Their openness about illness, mortality, and parenthood struck a chord with followers around the world. It invited people into their intimate challenges and celebrations. Now, their supporters are responding with equal vulnerability and generosity, turning digital presence into tangible, life-affirming impact.

As Shay continues navigating life without her husband, the funds will underpin AmyLou’s childhood, giving her the financial foundation her father had hoped she’d receive. The scholarship will ensure Tanner’s legacy continues and provides future students with resources to chase their dreams. The donation to cancer relief work reflects his enduring empathy and commitment to supporting others battling illness.

In the face of loss, Shay Wright has demonstrated that love and community can transform grief into action. The remarkable response to her plea is a testament to Tanner’s life and the trust they built with their audience. Through shared sorrow, collective generosity has emerged, affirming that sometimes the most profound inheritance is not what one leaves behind but what the community chooses to carry forward.