Authorities in Tanzania are probing the death of US influencer Ashly Robinson, who was found unresponsive in a luxury resort villa in Zanzibar, where she was celebrating her birthday and recent engagement with her fiancé, Joe McCann, founder of crypto investment firm Asymmetric. The 31-year-old lifestyle creator, also known as Ashlee Jenae, was pronounced dead at a hospital after being found unresponsive on April 9. Zanzibar police have confirmed that Robinson's death was due to suicide, but have stated that they are still investigating the circumstances surrounding her death, citing a 'misunderstanding' between the couple. According to reports, the couple had a heated argument and were separated by hotel staff, who sent them to separate rooms.
Despite this, police have not ruled out other factors and are awaiting the results of Robinson's autopsy. McCann has been questioned by police and has been asked to remain in the country while the investigation continues. The hotel where the incident occurred has expressed its condolences to Robinson's family and has stated that it is providing full cooperation to the local authorities and the US Embassy.
Robinson's family has set up a GoFundMe page to help with travel costs and other expenses, and has raised more than its target. McCann, who has an estimated net worth of $45 million, is a prominent figure in the crypto industry, having led Asymmetric, a hedge fund and venture firm backed by investors including Andreessen Horowitz co-founders Marc Andreessen and Chris Dixon.
However, in December, he announced that he would be shutting down Asymmetric's Liquid Alpha Fund due to claims of significant financial losses throughout 2025. The US State Department has offered its condolences to Robinson's family, but has declined to comment further on the investigation, citing privacy and other considerations.