An inquiry has been launched by Tanzanian authorities into the death of Ashly Robinson, a 31-year-old lifestyle influencer from Miami, who was found unresponsive in a luxury resort in Zanzibar. Her fiancé, Joe McCann, founder of the crypto investment firm Asymmetric, is being probed in connection with the incident. According to local police, Robinson's death was initially thought to be a result of suicide, but the investigation is ongoing due to the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The couple had been celebrating Robinson's birthday and their recent engagement at the Zuri Zanzibar resort when a heated dispute allegedly occurred, prompting hotel staff to intervene and separate them. Despite the initial findings, police have decided to withhold 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 assured its full cooperation 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 costs and other expenses.
McCann, who has an estimated net worth of $45 million, has been a prominent figure in the crypto industry, leading Asymmetric, a hedge fund and venture firm backed by prominent investors. However, his firm recently faced financial difficulties, leading to the shutdown of its Liquid Alpha Fund.
The US State Department has offered its condolences to Robinson's family but has declined to comment further on the investigation.