Joe McCann, the founder of Asymmetric, a crypto investment firm, is at the center of an investigation in Tanzania following the death of his fiancée, US influencer Ashly Robinson, during a vacation in Zanzibar. Robinson, a 31-year-old lifestyle creator, was found unresponsive in a private villa at the luxury resort Zuri Zanzibar, 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 was initially confirmed as a suicide, but the authorities are still investigating the incident. The couple had allegedly 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 have decided to withhold McCann's passport and have asked him to remain in the country until the forensic results from Robinson's autopsy are available. The hotel where the incident occurred has expressed its condolences and is cooperating fully with the local authorities and the US Embassy.
Robinson's family has expressed doubts about the suicide confirmation and has set up a fundraising page to cover travel costs and other expenses, exceeding their target. McCann, with 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 notable investors.
However, his decision to shut down Asymmetric's Liquid Alpha Fund in December followed reports of significant financial losses. The incident has sparked an investigation, with the US State Department offering condolences to the Robinson family but declining to comment further due to privacy considerations.