An inquiry is ongoing in Tanzania into the death of Ashly Robinson, a U.S. social media influencer, who was found unresponsive in a luxury resort in Zanzibar, where she was vacationing with her fiancé, Joe McCann, a prominent figure in cryptocurrency investments. The 31-year-old Miami-based lifestyle creator, also known as Ashlee Jenae, was celebrating her birthday and recent engagement with McCann, the founder of Asymmetric, a crypto investment firm. She was pronounced dead at a hospital after being found unresponsive in a private villa at the Zuri Zanzibar resort on April 9.
According to Zanzibar police, Robinson's death has been confirmed as a suicide, which they attributed to a misunderstanding between the couple. However, despite this confirmation, the authorities are still investigating the circumstances surrounding her death. The police have revealed that the couple had a heated dispute before being separated by hotel staff, who moved them to separate rooms. As part of the ongoing investigation, McCann's passport has been withheld, and he has been asked to remain in the country pending the outcome of Robinson's autopsy.
McCann has been questioned by the police and is required to stay in the country until the forensic results are available. The hotel where the incident occurred expressed its deep sadness and offered its condolences to Robinson's family, stating that it is cooperating fully with the local authorities and the U.S.
Embassy. Robinson's family has expressed doubts about the official cause of death, and a GoFundMe page has been set up to help cover travel costs, arrangements, and other expenses, with the target of $50,000 already exceeded. McCann, whose net worth is estimated to be around $45 million, is a well-known figure in the institutional crypto sector, having led Asymmetric, a hedge fund and venture firm backed by prominent investors. However, he announced the shutdown of Asymmetric's Liquid Alpha Fund in December following allegations of significant financial losses throughout 2025.
The couple had traveled to Zanzibar on April 4, according to a statement from the Tanzanian police. Efforts to contact the Zanzibar police for further information were unsuccessful, with staff hanging up on calls. The Tanzania Police Force also did not respond to an email request for information.
The U.S. State Department has offered its condolences to Robinson's family but declined to comment further, citing privacy and other considerations, and referring inquiries to the local authorities.