Tanzanian Authorities Close Investigation Into Death of Influencer Ashlee Jenae, Rule Suicide

(Ashlee Jenae and Joe McCann. Photo by Leadership News)

Tanzanian authorities have concluded that American social media influencer Ashlee Jenae, whose real name was Ashly Robinson, died by suicide following a period of severe mental distress, closing their investigation into her death at a luxury resort in Zanzibar.

The 31-year-old New Jersey native was found dead on April 9 at the Zuri Zanzibar resort, just six days after becoming engaged to crypto entrepreneur Joe McCann during a safari holiday, and hours after hotel staff witnessed a heated argument between the couple that grew intense enough for workers to relocate McCann to a separate room.

He later returned with a security guard to check on her and found her unresponsive.

At a press conference, Deputy Director of Criminal Investigations Zuberi Chembera said analysis of text messages retrieved from the deceased's devices revealed repeated complaints about her life circumstances and confirmed she had been experiencing significant mental distress in the period leading up to her death.

He stated that no individual was implicated in her passing. A local medical report listed the official cause of death as cerebral hypoxia resulting from strangulation and suffocation.

McCann, founder of crypto fund Asymmetric Financial, had his passport temporarily seized and was questioned as a witness, though authorities and media reports confirmed he was never considered a suspect.

He has since issued a statement mourning Jenae, describing her as a radiant presence whose legacy of kindness he hopes to honour.

However, Jenae's family has publicly disputed the suicide finding, describing her death as suspicious.

Her parents raised concern over the 11-hour delay before McCann informed them of her passing, while her younger sister described the idea of Jenae taking her own life as completely out of character for someone known for her vibrant and spirited personality.

The family said they are working closely with Zanzibari officials as they continue to seek answers.

This is a sensitive topic if you or anyone you know may be experiencing mental health difficulties, please consider reaching out to a mental health professional or a trusted person for support.