An investigation is ongoing in Tanzania into the alleged suicide of Ashly Robinson, a US social media influencer, who was found dead at a luxury resort in Zanzibar where she was vacationing with her fiancé, Joe McCann, founder of the crypto investment firm Asymmetric. The 31-year-old lifestyle creator, also known as Ashlee Jenae, was discovered unresponsive in a private villa at the Zuri Zanzibar resort on April 9, where the couple was celebrating her birthday and recent engagement. She was later declared dead at a hospital. According to the Zanzibar police, Robinson's death has been confirmed as a suicide, resulting from a 'misunderstanding' between the couple.
However, the authorities are still investigating the circumstances surrounding her death. Hotel staff reported that the couple had a heated argument and were separated twice before being sent to separate rooms. The police have questioned McCann and have asked him to remain in the country pending the outcome of the forensic examination of Robinson's autopsy. The hotel has expressed its condolences to Robinson's family and has offered its full cooperation to the local authorities and the US Embassy.
Robinson's family has set up a fundraising page to cover travel costs, arrangements, and other expenses, expressing doubts about the official cause of her death. 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 the shutdown of 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, referring all inquiries to the local authorities.