An investigation is ongoing in Zanzibar into the death of Ashly Robinson, a U.S. social media influencer, who was found unresponsive in a luxury villa during a trip with her fiancé, Joe McCann, founder of crypto investment firm Asymmetric. Robinson, 31, was celebrating her birthday and recent engagement when she died. Local police initially reported that she died by suicide following a dispute with McCann, but her family has expressed doubts about this finding.
The couple had been separated by hotel staff due to a heated argument, and despite the initial cause of death being reported, the police are continuing their investigation and have withheld McCann's passport. McCann, with an estimated net worth of $45 million, has been questioned by the police and asked to remain in the country pending the outcome of the autopsy. The hotel where the couple was staying has offered its condolences and is cooperating with the authorities. Robinson's family has set up a fundraising page to cover expenses related to her death, which has exceeded its target.
McCann is a well-known figure in the crypto industry, having led Asymmetric, a hedge fund and venture firm backed by prominent investors. However, he recently announced the closure of the firm's Liquid Alpha Fund due to significant financial losses.
The U.S. State Department has offered its condolences to the Robinson family but has declined to comment further on the investigation, citing privacy considerations.