An inquiry is ongoing in Zanzibar, Tanzania, regarding the alleged suicide of Ashly Robinson, a U.S. social media influencer, during a trip with her fiancé, Joe McCann, founder of the cryptocurrency investment firm Asymmetric. Robinson, 31, was discovered 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 following a dispute between the couple, but the investigation is still active. The couple had been separated by hotel staff due to a heated argument, and despite the initial confirmation of suicide, police are withholding McCann's passport pending the outcome of the autopsy and have asked him to remain in the country. The hotel has expressed its condolences and is cooperating with the authorities.
Robinson's family has raised doubts about the cause of death and has set up a fundraising page to cover expenses. McCann, who has an estimated net worth of $45 million, is a notable figure in the cryptocurrency industry, leading a hedge fund and venture firm backed by prominent investors. However, his fund recently faced significant financial losses, leading to its shutdown.
The U.S. State Department has offered condolences to the Robinson family but declined to comment further on the investigation.