Tanzania investigates death of American social media influencer

Police in Tanzania questioned the fiancé of US social media influencer Ashly Robinson, who died after an alleged suicide attempt while the couple were on vacation in Zanzibar, a tourist hub off the east African country’s mainland.

Police had confiscated the passport of her partner, Joseph Isaac McCann, 45, also a US citizen, they said in a statement issued late on Tuesday.

Robinson, 31, who is also known by her social media name Ashlee Jenae, and McCann arrived in Zanzibar on April 4th and booked into a hotel.

They later moved to a second hotel where they “appeared to be having domestic conflicts,” police said, citing hotel staff. Management subsequently separated the two into different rooms.

“According to reports, she attempted to hang herself using a clothing belt tied inside a wardrobe in Room 25 of the hotel,” the police statement said. She died in hospital on April 9th around 3pm local time while receiving treatment.

“Investigations into the matter are ongoing, pending professional medical reports and forensic examination from doctors,” police said. McCann has not been charged. Reuters was not immediately able to contact his lawyer for comment.

A GoFundMe set up to support the family of Ashly Robinson has reached nearly $60,000.

Her parents, in a statement on the GoFundMe page, said: “Many of you have reached out asking how you can support our family during this unimaginable time, and we are so grateful for the love and prayers.

“Our beloved daughter, Ashly Robinson, traveled to Zanzibar, Africa to celebrate her 31st birthday and got engaged during what should have been a joyful and memorable trip.

“Just days later, she was found unconscious in her villa at the Zuri Hotel and was rushed to a local hospital, where her death was confirmed hours later. What was meant to be a dream became our family’s worst nightmare.

“As we grieve, we are also navigating an ongoing investigation and the challenges of being thousands of miles away while trying to bring Ashly home with dignity and seek answers.

“This fund is in response to those asking how to help and will support travel costs, arrangements, and unexpected expenses during this time. Thank you for standing with our family.”