An inquiry has been launched by Tanzanian authorities into the alleged suicide of Ashly Robinson, a US social media influencer, during a trip to Zanzibar with her fiancé, Joe McCann, founder of the cryptocurrency investment firm Asymmetric. Robinson, 31, was discovered unresponsive in a luxury villa at the Zuri Zanzibar resort on April 9, where the couple had been celebrating her birthday and recent engagement.
She was later pronounced dead at a hospital. According to local police, Robinson's death has been confirmed as a suicide following a dispute between the couple. However, the investigation is ongoing, and McCann's passport has been withheld. The couple had reportedly been involved in a heated argument before being separated by hotel staff, who sent them to separate rooms.
Despite the initial confirmation of suicide, police are still examining the circumstances surrounding Robinson's death and have asked McCann to remain in the country pending the results of the autopsy. The hotel has expressed its condolences to Robinson's family and is cooperating fully with the local authorities and the US Embassy. Robinson's family has expressed doubts about the official cause of death and has set up a fundraising page to cover travel costs and other expenses.
The target amount of $50,000 has already been exceeded. McCann, with an estimated net worth of $45 million, is a well-known figure in the institutional crypto sector, having led Asymmetric, a hedge fund and venture firm backed by prominent investors. In December, McCann announced the closure of Asymmetric's Liquid Alpha Fund due to significant financial losses throughout 2025.
The couple had arrived in Zanzibar on April 4, according to a statement from Tanzanian police. Efforts to contact the Zanzibar police for further information were unsuccessful, as were attempts to reach the Tanzania Police Force via email.
The US State Department has offered its condolences to Robinson's family but declined to comment further on the investigation, citing privacy concerns.