An inquiry is ongoing in Tanzania into the alleged suicide of Ashly Robinson, a 31-year-old US lifestyle influencer, during a trip to Zanzibar with her fiancé, Joe McCann, founder of the crypto investment firm Asymmetric. The couple had been celebrating Robinson's birthday and their recent engagement at the luxury Zuri Zanzibar resort, where she was found unresponsive in a private villa on April 9.
Although the Zanzibar police have confirmed that Robinson died by suicide following a 'misunderstanding' between the couple, they are still investigating the circumstances surrounding her death. Hotel staff reported that the couple had a heated argument and were separated twice before being sent to separate rooms. As a result, McCann's passport has been withheld, and he has been asked to remain in the country pending the outcome of the investigation.
The hotel has expressed its condolences and is cooperating fully with the local authorities and the US Embassy. Robinson's family has set up a GoFundMe page to cover travel costs and other expenses, and they have raised more than their target. They have expressed 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, leading a hedge fund and venture firm backed by prominent investors. However, he recently announced the shutdown of Asymmetric's Liquid Alpha Fund due to significant financial losses.
The US State Department has offered its condolences to the Robinson family but has declined to comment further on the investigation.