An inquiry has been launched by Tanzanian authorities into the alleged suicide of Ashly Robinson, a US social media influencer, during a vacation in Zanzibar with her fiancé, Joe McCann, founder of the cryptocurrency investment firm Asymmetric. Robinson, 31, was found unresponsive in a private villa at the luxury Zuri Zanzibar resort, where the couple had been celebrating her birthday and recent engagement, and was later pronounced dead at a hospital. Although the Zanzibar police have confirmed that Robinson's death was a result of suicide, following a 'misunderstanding' between the couple, they are still investigating the incident.
The couple had reportedly been involved in a heated argument before being separated by hotel staff and sent to separate rooms. As a result, McCann's passport has been withheld by the police, who have asked him to remain in the country until the forensic results from Robinson's autopsy are received.
The hotel has expressed its condolences and is cooperating fully with the local authorities and the US Embassy. Robinson's family, who have raised doubts about the circumstances of her death, have set up a fundraising page to cover travel costs, arrangements, and other expenses. McCann, who has an estimated net worth of $45 million, is a prominent figure in the institutional crypto sector, having led Asymmetric, a hedge fund and venture firm backed by investors including Andreessen Horowitz co-founders Marc Andreessen and Chris Dixon.
However, in December, he announced the shutdown of Asymmetric's Liquid Alpha Fund, following claims of significant financial losses throughout 2025. The US State Department has offered its condolences to the Robinson family but has declined to comment further on the investigation.