Crypto fund manager probed in the suspicious death of his fiancé’s death in Zanzibar
The couple argued according to hotel staff and were separated. Despite confirming Ashly Robinson died by suicide, police said they are still investigating her death.
By Olivier Acuna|Edited by Shaurya Malwa Apr 16, 2026, 9:21 a.m. Make preferred on
What to know:
- Tanzanian authorities are investigating the death of U.S. influencer Ashly Robinson in Zanzibar and have ordered her fiancé, crypto investor Joe McCann, to remain in the country while the case is reviewed.
- Police say Robinson, 31, died by suicide after a heated dispute with McCann at the Zuri Zanzibar resort, but her family disputes that conclusion and has launched a GoFundMe campaign to cover related expenses.
- McCann, a prominent crypto hedge fund manager whose Asymmetric Liquid Alpha Fund was recently shut down after steep reported losses, has had his passport withheld as police await forensic autopsy results.
Joe McCann, founder of crypto investment firm Asymmetric, is being probed by authorities in Tanzania, following the the alleged death by suicide of his fiancé, U.S. influencer Ashly Robinson, during a trip to Zanzibar.
Robinson, 31, a Miami-based lifestyle creator also known as Ashlee Jenae, was found unresponsive on April 9 in a private villa at luxury resort Zuri Zanzibar, where the couple had been celebrating her birthday and recent engagement. She was later pronounced dead at a hospital.
According to an NBC News report, Zanzibar police investigating the death of Robinson confirmed she died by suicide following a “misunderstanding” between the couple.
Police confirmed the couple had been involved in a heated dispute before being separated twice by hotel staff and sent to separate rooms. However, police said Robinson’s death is still being investigated and have therefore withheld McCann’s passport, according to the news outlet.
Police have questioned McCann and have asked him to remain in the country while they receive the forensic results from Ashly’s autopsy.
The hotel said it was "deeply saddened" by what happened. "Our sincerest thoughts and sympathies go out to the family and loved ones during this painful time. We are providing our full cooperation to the local authorities and the U.S. Embassy," the hotel said in a statement.
Victim’s family sets up GoFund Me page
Robinson’s family, who said they doubt she died by suicide, have set up a GoFund Me page seeking to raise $50,000 to help with travel costs, arrangements and other unexpected expenses, they said. They have raised more than their target.
McCann, with an estimated net worth of $45 million, is a prominent figure in institutional crypto, leading 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 he would shut down Asymmetric’s Liquid Alpha Fund following claims of massive financial losses throughout 2025. McCann’s decision to wind down the fund followed unconfirmed social media chatter that the liquid fund was down 78% this year.
Robinson and her fiancé, McCann, traveled to Zanzibar on April 4, according to a translated video statement from Tanzanian police.
CoinDesk called Zanzibar police on several occasions but staff manning the phones immediately hung up, refusing to answer any questions. The Tanzania Police Force have also not responded to an email request for information.
The U.S. State Department said they had no additional comment other than to offer their condolences to the Robinson family.
“The Trump Administration has no higher priority than the safety and security of Americans,” a State Department spokesperson said.
“Due to privacy and other considerations, we have no further comment. For additional questions about any investigation, we refer you to local authorities. We offer our sincerest condolences to the family of Ms. Robinson and her loved ones on their loss.”
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