Joe McCann, the founder of Asymmetric, a crypto investment firm, is currently under investigation by Tanzanian authorities following the alleged suicide of his fiancée, US social media influencer Ashly Robinson, during their vacation in Zanzibar. Robinson, a 31-year-old lifestyle creator, was found unresponsive in a private villa at the luxury Zuri Zanzibar resort, where the couple had been 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 they are still investigating the circumstances surrounding her death.
Hotel staff reported that the couple had a heated argument 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 to Robinson's family and has stated that it is cooperating fully with the local authorities and the US Embassy.
Robinson's family has expressed doubts about the official cause of death and has set up a fundraising page to cover travel costs, arrangements, and other expenses. 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 Andreessen Horowitz co-founders Marc Andreessen and Chris Dixon.
In December, McCann announced that he would be shutting down Asymmetric's Liquid Alpha Fund following reports of 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.