Joe McCann, the founder of Asymmetric, a renowned crypto investment firm, is at the center of an investigation in Tanzania following the alleged suicide of his fiancée, U.S. social media influencer Ashly Robinson, during their trip to Zanzibar. Robinson, 31, a lifestyle influencer from Miami, was found unresponsive on April 9 in a luxury villa at the 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 due to suicide, which they believe was triggered by a misunderstanding between the couple. However, the police have also stated that they are still investigating the circumstances surrounding her death and have withheld McCann's passport.
The couple had reportedly been involved in a heated argument before being separated by hotel staff and sent to different rooms. The authorities have questioned McCann and have asked him to remain in the country pending the outcome of the autopsy and forensic results. In a statement, the hotel expressed its deepest condolences to Robinson's family and loved ones, stating that it is fully cooperating with the local authorities and the U.S. Embassy.
Robinson's family has expressed doubts about the official cause of death and has set up a GoFundMe page to raise $50,000 for travel costs, arrangements, and other expenses. The page has exceeded its target. McCann, who has an estimated net worth of $45 million, is a prominent figure in the institutional crypto space, leading Asymmetric, a hedge fund and venture firm 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 U.S. State Department has offered its condolences to Robinson's family but has declined to comment further on the investigation, citing privacy concerns.