An inquiry has been launched by Tanzanian authorities into the death of Ashly Robinson, a 31-year-old US lifestyle influencer, who was found unresponsive in a luxury resort in Zanzibar. Her fiancé, Joe McCann, founder of the crypto investment firm Asymmetric, is being investigated in connection with her death. According to reports, the couple had a heated argument before Robinson's death, and hotel staff had to separate them on multiple occasions. Despite the police initially confirming that Robinson died by suicide, they have stated that the investigation is ongoing and McCann's passport has been withheld.
McCann has been questioned by the police and has been asked to remain in the country pending the outcome of the autopsy. The hotel where the incident occurred has expressed its condolences to Robinson's family and is cooperating fully with the authorities. Robinson's family has set up a fundraising page, expressing doubts about the official cause of death. McCann, who has an estimated net worth of $45 million, is a well-known figure in the crypto industry, having led Asymmetric, a hedge fund and venture firm backed by prominent investors.
However, his fund faced significant financial losses in 2025, leading to its shutdown. The US State Department has offered its condolences to Robinson's family but has declined to comment further on the investigation.