An inquiry has been launched by Tanzanian authorities into the death 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 discovered unresponsive in a private villa at the luxury Zuri Zanzibar resort, where the couple was celebrating her birthday and recent engagement. She was later pronounced dead at a hospital.
According to Zanzibar police, Robinson's death was confirmed as a suicide following a 'misunderstanding' between the couple. However, the police have stated that they are still investigating her death and have withheld McCann's passport.
The couple had reportedly been involved in a heated argument before being separated by hotel staff. McCann has been questioned by the police and has been asked 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 has expressed doubts about the cause of her death and has set up a fundraising page to help with travel costs and other expenses. McCann, who has an estimated net worth of $45 million, is a prominent figure in the cryptocurrency industry. He recently announced the shutdown of Asymmetric's Liquid Alpha Fund due to significant financial losses.
The US State Department has offered its condolences to Robinson's family but has declined to comment further on the investigation.