An inquiry is ongoing in Tanzania concerning the alleged suicide of Ashly Robinson, fiancée of Joe McCann, founder of the cryptocurrency investment firm Asymmetric, during their trip to Zanzibar. Robinson, a 31-year-old lifestyle influencer, was found unresponsive in a private villa at the luxury Zuri Zanzibar resort, where the couple was celebrating her birthday and recent engagement, and was later pronounced dead at a hospital. According to Zanzibar police, Robinson's death was confirmed as a suicide after a 'misunderstanding' between the couple. However, the police have not ruled out other possibilities and are still investigating, having questioned McCann and withholding his passport pending the forensic results of Robinson's autopsy.
The couple had been involved in a heated argument prior to the incident, as reported by hotel staff, who separated them twice. The hotel has expressed its deepest condolences and is cooperating fully with the authorities. Robinson's family has expressed doubts about the official cause of death and has set up a fundraising page to cover travel and other expenses, surpassing their target.
McCann, with an estimated net worth of $45 million, is a prominent figure in the cryptocurrency industry, having led Asymmetric, a hedge fund and venture firm backed by notable investors. The incident has drawn attention due to McCann's decision to shut down Asymmetric's Liquid Alpha Fund following reports of significant financial losses. The U.S. State Department has offered its condolences to the Robinson family while referring further inquiries to local authorities.