Joe McCann, the founder of a prominent cryptocurrency investment firm called Asymmetric, is under investigation by Tanzanian authorities following the death of his fiancée, US social media influencer Ashly Robinson, during their vacation in Zanzibar. Robinson, a 31-year-old lifestyle influencer, was found unresponsive in a private villa at the luxury Zuri Zanzibar resort on April 9, where she and McCann were celebrating her birthday and their recent engagement. She was later pronounced dead at a hospital.
According to Zanzibar police, Robinson's death has been confirmed as a suicide, resulting from a misunderstanding between the couple. However, the police have stated that they are still investigating the circumstances surrounding her death. Prior to her death, the couple had reportedly been involved in a heated argument, which led to them being separated by hotel staff and placed in different rooms. The police have questioned McCann and have asked him to remain in the country pending the outcome of the autopsy and forensic results.
The hotel has expressed its deepest condolences to Robinson's family and has offered its full cooperation to the authorities and the US Embassy. Robinson's family has expressed doubts about the official cause of death and has set up a fundraising campaign to cover travel costs and other expenses related to her death. McCann, who has an estimated net worth of $45 million, is a well-known figure in the cryptocurrency industry and has led Asymmetric, a hedge fund and venture firm backed by prominent investors.
In December, McCann announced that he would be shutting down Asymmetric's Liquid Alpha Fund due to significant financial losses throughout 2025. The US State Department has offered its condolences to Robinson's family but has declined to comment further on the investigation.