Joe McCann, the founder of crypto investment firm Asymmetric, is the focus of a Tanzanian probe after the death of his fiancée, U.S. lifestyle influencer Ashly Robinson, during a trip to Zanzibar.
What happened
Robinson, 31 — who also created content under the name Ashlee Jenae — was found unresponsive on April 9 in a private villa at the Zuri Zanzibar resort, where the couple had been celebrating her birthday and recent engagement. She was later pronounced dead at a local hospital.
Zanzibar police tell NBC News they believe Robinson died by suicide following what they described as a “misunderstanding” between the couple. Authorities say hotel staff separated the pair twice during a heated dispute and moved them to different rooms. The investigation is ongoing: police have questioned McCann, asked him to remain in the country while awaiting forensic results from Robinson’s autopsy, and have reportedly withheld his passport.
Family, hotel and U.S. officials
Robinson’s family have publicly expressed doubts about the suicide ruling and launched a GoFundMe campaign seeking $50,000 to cover travel, funeral arrangements and other expenses; the campaign has exceeded its initial target. Zuri Zanzibar issued a statement saying it was “deeply saddened,” offering condolences and pledging full cooperation with local authorities and the U.S. Embassy.
The U.S. State Department offered condolences and declined to add details, saying privacy considerations limit its comment and directing inquiries to Tanzanian authorities. A spokesperson also reiterated the administration’s priority on the safety of Americans abroad.
Attempts to reach local authorities
CoinDesk reported that calls to Zanzibar police were disconnected and that the Tanzania Police Force did not respond to an emailed request for comment.
Why this matters to crypto audiences
McCann is a prominent figure in institutional crypto investing. Asymmetric — a hedge fund and venture outfit he leads — counts high-profile backers, including Andreessen Horowitz co-founders Marc Andreessen and Chris Dixon. McCann’s net worth has been estimated at roughly $45 million.
The firm and McCann have also been in the spotlight over performance issues: in December he announced the wind-down of Asymmetric’s Liquid Alpha Fund after claims of steep losses in 2025. Social media chatter (unconfirmed) circulated that the liquid fund had fallen about 78% that year.
Ongoing investigation
Authorities in Zanzibar are awaiting autopsy and forensic results before concluding the case. McCann has been questioned and is currently being asked to remain in Tanzania as investigators continue their work. We will update this report as more official information becomes available.
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