Joe McCann, the founder of Asymmetric, a crypto investment firm, is at the center of a probe by Tanzanian authorities following the alleged suicide of his fiancée, Ashly Robinson, a Miami-based lifestyle influencer, during their vacation in Zanzibar. The 31-year-old influencer, also known as Ashlee Jenae, was found unresponsive in a private villa at the luxury Zuri Zanzibar resort on April 9, where the couple was celebrating her birthday and their recent engagement. She was later pronounced dead at a hospital. According to Zanzibar police, Robinson's death was confirmed as a suicide, resulting from a 'misunderstanding' between the couple.
However, the police have not ruled out other possibilities and are continuing their investigation. The couple had reportedly been involved in a heated argument before being separated by hotel staff and sent to different rooms. Despite the initial confirmation of suicide, the police are still investigating the circumstances surrounding Robinson's death and have withheld McCann's passport.
McCann has been questioned by the police and has been asked to remain in the country pending the outcome of the forensic examination of Robinson's autopsy. The hotel where the incident occurred expressed its condolences, stating that it was 'deeply saddened' by the event and is providing full cooperation to the local authorities and the US Embassy. Robinson's family has set up a GoFundMe page to raise $50,000 for travel costs, arrangements, and other expenses, citing their doubts about the official cause of death. The target has already been exceeded.
McCann, who has an estimated net worth of $45 million, is a prominent figure in the institutional crypto space, having led Asymmetric, a hedge fund and venture firm backed by investors such as Andreessen Horowitz co-founders Marc Andreessen and Chris Dixon. In December, McCann announced the shutdown of Asymmetric's Liquid Alpha Fund following reports of significant financial losses throughout 2025. The decision followed unconfirmed social media claims that the liquid fund had suffered a 78% loss that year.
According to a translated video statement from Tanzanian police, Robinson and McCann traveled to Zanzibar on April 4. The US State Department has offered its condolences to the Robinson family, stating that the safety and security of Americans are a top priority, but has declined to comment further on the investigation.