Joe McCann, the founder of Asymmetric, a prominent crypto investment firm, is at the center of an investigation in Tanzania following the alleged suicide of his fiancée, US social media influencer Ashly Robinson, during a vacation in Zanzibar. Robinson, a 31-year-old lifestyle creator from Miami, was found unresponsive in a private villa at the luxury Zuri Zanzibar resort on April 9, where the couple was celebrating her birthday and 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 the investigation is ongoing. The couple had reportedly been involved in a heated argument before being separated by hotel staff and placed in separate rooms. Despite the initial findings, the police have chosen to withhold McCann's passport and have asked him to remain in the country until the forensic results from Robinson's autopsy are available.
McCann has been questioned by the authorities, and the hotel has expressed its condolences to the family, stating that it is fully cooperating with the local authorities and the US Embassy. Robinson's family has expressed doubts about the suicide claim and has set up a fundraising page to cover travel costs, arrangements, and other unexpected expenses. The target amount of $50,000 has been exceeded.
McCann, with an estimated net worth of $45 million, is a well-known figure in the crypto industry, leading Asymmetric, a hedge fund and venture firm backed by prominent investors. In December, McCann announced the shutdown of Asymmetric's Liquid Alpha Fund due to significant financial losses. The US State Department has offered its condolences to the Robinson family, stating that the safety and security of Americans is a top priority, but has declined to comment further on the investigation.