Tanzanian authorities have concluded their investigation into the death of influencer Ashlee Jenae, whose real name was Ashly Robinson, and determined that she died by suicide. Robinson, 31, died on April 10 while on a trip to Zanzibar, where she had been celebrating her birthday and became engaged to her boyfriend, Joe McCann. Her death had initially been treated as suspicious, prompting a police inquiry into the circumstances surrounding what happened at the Zuri Zanzibar hotel.
According to police and local reporting, hotel staff raised concerns after an argument between Robinson and McCann and later found her unresponsive in her villa. A hotel employee entered the room during a routine evening check after receiving no response at the door and discovered Robinson hanging inside a wardrobe. Investigators said she was suspended from a closet rail using a robe belt. Earlier documents reportedly listed the immediate cause of death as cerebral hypoxia caused by strangulation and suffocation.
Authorities had questioned McCann during the investigation and temporarily withheld his travel documents while they examined the case. Robinson’s family had also expressed concern after saying communication with them stopped following her death. With the probe now closed, police say they found no wrongdoing by McCann and determined that Robinson died by suicide as a result of mental distress.
Following the official announcement, McCann spoke publicly about the loss. In a statement to TMZ, he said the news did not lessen the tragedy of Robinson’s death and described her as his soulmate. He said he misses her constantly and that the pain of her absence will not simply go away. McCann also said his priority throughout the investigation was to bring Robinson home and cooperate fully with authorities so the truth could be established. He thanked the Tanzania Police Force for what he described as a professional and thorough investigation.
McCann’s lawyer, Edward Andrew Paltzik, also defended him, saying the Tanzanian authorities’ conclusion fully exonerates his client. He said the investigation was exhaustive, unbiased, and aimed solely at uncovering the truth, and he described McCann as completely innocent.
Robinson’s death has drawn widespread attention because it happened during what was supposed to be a joyful milestone trip. The case had sparked speculation because of the reported argument, the fiance’s restricted travel status, and the family’s unanswered questions. With the investigation now finished, officials say the matter has been resolved, though loved ones have not publicly responded to the final ruling.
The announcement closes a difficult chapter in a case that has left both families grieving. Robinson, known online as Ashlee Jenae, had built a following as an influencer, and her sudden death has prompted an outpouring of shock and sadness from those who followed her life and career.
If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, help is available. In the United States, call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
