Joe McCann, the founder of Asymmetric, a prominent crypto investment firm, is currently being investigated by Tanzanian authorities following the alleged suicide of his fiancée, US social media influencer Ashly Robinson, during their trip to Zanzibar. The 31-year-old lifestyle creator, 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 recent engagement. She was later pronounced dead at a hospital. According to the Zanzibar police, Robinson's death was confirmed as a suicide after a 'misunderstanding' between the couple.
However, the police have stated that they are still investigating the circumstances surrounding her death. The couple had reportedly been involved in a heated argument before being separated by hotel staff and sent to separate rooms. As a result, McCann's passport has been withheld by the authorities. The police have questioned McCann and have asked him to remain in the country while they await the forensic results from Robinson's autopsy.
The hotel has expressed its deepest condolences to the family and loved ones, stating that it is providing full cooperation to the local authorities and the US Embassy. Robinson's family has expressed doubts about the cause of her death and has set up a GoFundMe page to help with travel costs, arrangements, and other expenses. McCann, who has an estimated net worth of $45 million, is a prominent figure in the crypto industry, leading Asymmetric, a hedge fund and venture firm backed by investors including Andreessen Horowitz co-founders Marc Andreessen and Chris Dixon. In December, he announced the shutdown of Asymmetric's Liquid Alpha Fund following claims of significant financial losses throughout 2025.
The US State Department has offered its condolences to the Robinson family but has declined to comment further on the investigation.