Authorities in Tanzania are investigating Joe McCann, the founder of Asymmetric, a cryptocurrency investment firm, following the death 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, where the couple was celebrating her birthday and recent engagement. She was later pronounced dead at a hospital. According to a report by NBC News, the Zanzibar police have confirmed that Robinson's death was a result of suicide, which occurred after a 'misunderstanding' between the couple.
However, the police have stated that they are still investigating the circumstances surrounding her death. Hotel staff reported that the couple had a heated dispute and were separated twice, with each being sent to a different room. Despite the confirmation of suicide, the police have withheld McCann's passport and have asked him to remain in the country until the forensic results from Robinson's autopsy are available.
The hotel has expressed its condolences and is cooperating fully with 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 cover travel costs, arrangements, and other expenses.
They have exceeded their target of $50,000. McCann, who has an estimated net worth of $45 million, is a prominent figure in the institutional cryptocurrency space, leading Asymmetric, which is backed by investors including Andreessen Horowitz co-founders 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 couple had traveled to Zanzibar on April 4, according to a statement from the Tanzanian police. The US State Department has offered its condolences to the Robinson family but has declined to comment further on the investigation, referring questions to the local authorities.