American lifestyle influencer Ashly Robinson, known online as Ashlee Jenae, was found dead in her room at the Zuri Zanzibar hotel on the morning of 9 April 2026, days after her fiance, Joe McCann, proposed to her on an African safari. Tanzanian police initially ruled the death a suicide, but Robinson’s family has publicly disputed that finding and is demanding an independent investigation, while authorities have withheld McCann’s passport and continue to question him as a witness.
Robinson, 31, from South Jersey in the United States, had more than 100,000 followers on Instagram, where she documented her life as a lifestyle and travel content creator under the Ashlee Jenae handle.
The couple had checked into the Zuri Zanzibar on 6 April, three days after McCann proposed while on safari on 3 April. According to Robinson’s family, she called her mother on the evening of 8 April to say that she and McCann had argued and that hotel staff had moved them to separate rooms. Robinson was found dead in her room overnight from 8 to 9 April.
Police question fiance while family disputes suicide ruling
Zanzibar deputy police commissioner Zuberi Chembela confirmed to ABC News that McCann is being questioned by police as a witness and has not been arrested. “He is being questioned as a witness,” Chembela said, adding that McCann’s passport has been withheld as investigators continue to examine the circumstances of Robinson’s death.
The commissioner said the investigation remains ongoing.
Robinson’s family told US broadcaster WPVI that they have received no detailed information beyond confirmation that the case is still under investigation, despite reaching out to Tanzanian police, the US consulate, and the American embassy.
They have publicly stated that they do not accept the official suicide ruling and are seeking independent answers.
Family seeks independent inquiry as social media attention grows
The case has drawn significant attention in the United Kingdom and the United States, with the BBC, The Guardian, and multiple US television networks reporting on the circumstances of Robinson’s death.
Her family launched a GoFundMe campaign to assist with costs related to the investigation and repatriation of her remains.
Robinson’s mother, identified by US broadcaster WPVI only as Endres, disputed the suicide characterisation.
“She called me on April 8 and said that she and McCann had an argument and they were moved to separate rooms by hotel staff,” Endres told WPVI.
The family said nothing in that conversation indicated Robinson was in distress. Family members have also noted that they have been unable to make contact with McCann since the incident.
Zanzibar, part of Tanzania, is a popular destination for South Africans and international visitors seeking beach and safari combinations. The Zuri Zanzibar is a five-star property on the island’s northern tip.
What investigators are examining
Tanzanian authorities have not released details of the specific evidence being assessed, beyond confirming the investigation is active and that McCann remains in country as a witness.
Under Tanzanian law, police have the authority to detain a person’s travel documents without formally arresting them when a criminal investigation is under way.
The Robinson family has engaged legal representation in the United States and is working with the US Department of State to obtain further information.
No charges have been laid at this stage, and the investigation is expected to take several more weeks.
