An investigation is ongoing in Zanzibar, Tanzania, surrounding the alleged suicide of Ashly Robinson, a 31-year-old US lifestyle influencer, during a trip with her fiancé, Joe McCann, founder of the crypto investment firm Asymmetric. The couple had been celebrating Robinson's birthday and recent engagement at the luxury Zuri Zanzibar resort when she was found unresponsive in a private villa on April 9. Despite police confirmation that Robinson died by suicide following a 'misunderstanding' with McCann, her death remains under investigation.
Hotel staff reported that the couple had been involved in a heated argument and were separated twice before being sent to separate rooms. McCann, who has been questioned by police, has had his passport withheld pending the outcome of Robinson's autopsy. The hotel has expressed its condolences and is cooperating fully with the local authorities and the US Embassy. Robinson's family has raised doubts about the official cause of death and has set up a GoFundMe page to cover travel costs and other expenses.
McCann, estimated to be worth $45 million, is a prominent figure in the crypto industry, having led Asymmetric, a hedge fund and venture firm backed by prominent investors. However, he recently announced the shutdown of Asymmetric's Liquid Alpha Fund due to significant financial losses in 2025.
The US State Department has offered its condolences to Robinson's family but has declined to comment further on the investigation.