Joe McCann, the founder of crypto investment firm Asymmetric, is at the center of a probe in Tanzania following the alleged suicide of his fiancée, US lifestyle influencer Ashly Robinson, during a trip to Zanzibar to celebrate her birthday and recent engagement. Robinson, a 31-year-old Miami-based lifestyle creator also known as Ashlee Jenae, was found unresponsive in a private villa at the luxury Zuri Zanzibar resort on April 9 and was later pronounced dead at a hospital.
According to reports from Zanzibar police, Robinson's death has been confirmed as a suicide, resulting from a "misunderstanding" between the couple. However, the police have stated that they are still investigating the circumstances surrounding her death. It has been confirmed that the couple had a heated argument prior to being separated by hotel staff and sent to separate rooms.
Despite the initial findings, the 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 and has offered its full cooperation to the local authorities and the US Embassy. Robinson's family has expressed doubts about the official cause of death and has set up a GoFundMe page to raise funds for travel costs, arrangements, and other expenses. McCann, who has an estimated net worth of $45 million, is a prominent figure in the crypto industry, leading Asymmetric, a hedge fund and venture firm backed by prominent investors.
In December, McCann announced that he would be shutting down Asymmetric's Liquid Alpha Fund following reports 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.