Joe McCann, the founder of the cryptocurrency investment firm Asymmetric, is at the center of a Tanzanian police investigation following the alleged suicide of his fiancée, Ashly Robinson, a Miami-based lifestyle influencer, during their trip to Zanzibar. Robinson, 31, was found unresponsive in a luxury villa at the Zuri Zanzibar resort on April 9, where she and McCann were celebrating her birthday and recent engagement. She was later pronounced dead at a hospital.
According to the 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.
The police have confirmed that the couple had a heated argument before being separated by hotel staff, who placed them in separate rooms. Despite the initial ruling of suicide, the police are withholding McCann's passport until they receive the forensic results from Robinson's autopsy. McCann has been questioned by the authorities and has been asked to remain in the country to assist with the investigation. The hotel where the incident occurred has expressed its condolences to Robinson's family and has offered its full cooperation to the local authorities and the US Embassy.
Robinson's family has set up a GoFundMe page to cover travel costs, arrangements, and other expenses, and has raised more than their target. They have expressed doubts about the official ruling of suicide. McCann, who has an estimated net worth of $45 million, is a prominent figure in the crypto industry, having led Asymmetric, a hedge fund and venture firm backed by investors including Marc Andreessen and Chris Dixon. 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, citing privacy concerns.