Additional Coverage:
- Family seeks answers after influencer Ashlee Jenae is found dead on vacation in Tanzania (abcnews.com)
The family of Ashly Robinson, a 31-year-old American social media influencer, is seeking answers following her recent death in Zanzibar, Tanzania. Authorities have reported that Robinson died by suicide at a hotel in the region.
Robinson’s mother, Yolanda Denise Endres, expressed her grief and confusion to Philadelphia’s ABC affiliate WPVI, saying, “My daughter Ashly, she’s no longer here with us, and we’re trying to find out why.” Her father, Harry Robinson, shared similar sentiments, describing the situation as filled with “uncertainty, mystery, anger, sadness,” and added, “It’s like a part of me has been taken.”
Known online as Ashlee Jenae, Robinson was a lifestyle influencer with over 100,000 Instagram followers, where she shared glimpses of her life, travels, and moments with her fiancé, Joseph McCann. The couple was vacationing together in Zanzibar at the time of her passing.
Robinson’s recent Instagram posts featured joyful celebrations of her 31st birthday during their safari trip in Tanzania. Her last post, dated April 5, showed a montage of photos with her feeding a giraffe and surrounded by rose petals spelling out “HBD Ashlee,” accompanied by the caption, “Chapter 31 and I’m exactly where I need to be.”
Endres recalled that her daughter had been excited about this new chapter, sharing her travel experiences via FaceTime. However, the situation took a tragic turn. Zanzibar’s Deputy Police Commissioner Zuberi Chembela informed ABC News that McCann remains under police questioning as the investigation continues.
According to police reports, Robinson and McCann checked into Zuri Zanzibar hotel on April 6. On April 8, hotel staff intervened after being alerted to a “romantic conflict” between the couple, reportedly following an argument.
Staff separated them by relocating McCann to a villa several minutes away from Robinson’s room. Hours later, Robinson was found unresponsive by hotel employees.
Endres said McCann called her on April 9 to inform her that Ashly was hospitalized after reportedly harming herself. Robinson was initially taken to a local hospital before being transferred and declared dead on the same day.
Robinson’s parents emphasized that her daughter had never exhibited signs that would suggest she might harm herself, describing her as “happy.” They have reached out to both Tanzanian and U.S. officials, seeking clarity about the circumstances surrounding her death.
The investigation remains open, with medical examination results pending. Authorities have confiscated McCann’s passport as part of the ongoing inquiry. No charges have been filed at this time.
Zuri Zanzibar management released a statement expressing their condolences and confirmed their cooperation with local authorities and the U.S. Embassy.
The U.S. State Department also acknowledged Robinson’s death, offering sympathies to her family while citing privacy concerns that prevent further comment.
For those in need of support, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available 24/7 at 1-800-273-8255.