Authorities in Tanzania have concluded investigations into the death of American social media influencer Ashlee Jenae, ruling that she died by suicide following what they described as severe mental distress.
The 31-year-old, born Ashly Robinson from New Jersey, was found dead on April 9 at the luxury Zuri Zanzibar resort in Tanzania. Her death occurred just six days after she became engaged to her fiancé, crypto executive Joe McCann, during a safari trip, and shortly after a reported heated argument between the couple at the hotel.
Speaking at a press briefing in Zanzibar, Deputy Director of Criminal Investigations Zuberi Chembera stated that evidence gathered from witness accounts and digital devices pointed to emotional distress experienced by the deceased prior to her death.
“Through witness statements and analysis of communication devices belonging to the deceased and her fiancé, we established that she had been experiencing mental distress,” Chembera said.
He further noted that text messages retrieved from her devices showed “repeated complaints regarding her life circumstances,” adding that no individual was found responsible for her death.
Officials also confirmed that a medical report listed the cause of death as cerebral hypoxia resulting from strangulation and suffocation.
According to police, tensions between the couple escalated at the resort, prompting hotel staff to separate them for safety reasons. McCann reportedly later returned to her room with a security guard, where she was discovered unresponsive.
McCann, founder of crypto firm Asymmetric Financial, has expressed grief over the loss, describing Ashlee as “an angel who shined her light on everyone fortunate enough to be in her presence.”
However, the deceased’s family has strongly disputed the suicide ruling, raising concerns over the circumstances surrounding her final moments. Her parents, Yolanda Endres and Harry Robinson, questioned delays in communication following her death and called for further clarity.
Her sister, Alyssa Endres, also stated that taking her own life would have been out of character, describing her as vibrant and full of life.
In a statement, the family said they are cooperating with authorities in Zanzibar while seeking answers.
“Nothing about this loss feels real. One moment, she was celebrating love and life… and the next, she was gone,” the statement read.
As investigations conclude, public debate continues, with questions remaining over the circumstances surrounding the tragic incident.
