Crypto fund founder Joe McCann is under scrutiny in Tanzania after the death of his fiancée, U.S. influencer Ashly Robinson, while the couple were on holiday in Zanzibar.
What happened
- Ashly Robinson (also known as Ashlee Jenae), a 31-year-old Miami-based lifestyle creator, was found unresponsive on April 9 in a private villa at the luxury Zuri Zanzibar resort. She had been celebrating her birthday and the couple’s recent engagement. Robinson was later pronounced dead at a hospital.
- Zanzibar police told NBC News they are treating the death as a suicide following what they described as a “misunderstanding” between the couple. Police said hotel staff separated the pair after a heated argument and placed them in different rooms. Investigators have not closed the case and are awaiting forensic results from an autopsy.
Investigation and McCann’s status
- Authorities have questioned Joe McCann and have asked him to remain in Tanzania while forensic results are processed; his passport has reportedly been withheld. Police have said they will release further information after those results are available.
- The hotel released a statement expressing sorrow and said it is cooperating with local authorities and the U.S. Embassy.
Family response and fundraising
- Robinson’s family, who say they doubt the death was a suicide, set up a GoFundMe to raise $50,000 for travel, arrangements and related expenses; the campaign has surpassed its target.
Who is Joe McCann
- McCann is the founder of crypto investment firm Asymmetric, a hedge fund and venture firm that counts backers including Marc Andreessen and Chris Dixon, co-founders of Andreessen Horowitz. He has been a notable figure in institutional crypto with an estimated net worth of about $45 million.
- In December, McCann announced he would shut down Asymmetric’s Liquid Alpha Fund amid reports of steep losses during 2025. Unconfirmed social media posts had suggested the liquid fund was down roughly 78% that year.
Outreach to authorities and U.S. response
- Local police did not respond to repeated calls from CoinDesk, and the Tanzania Police Force did not answer an emailed request for comment.
- The U.S. State Department offered condolences to Robinson’s family and declined further comment, directing additional questions to local authorities.
Timeline
- The couple arrived in Zanzibar on April 4 and were in the villa on April 9 when Robinson was found.
The investigation remains active. Authorities have emphasized they are awaiting forensic results before drawing conclusions, and further updates are expected as Tanzanian officials continue their probe.
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