Additional Coverage:
- Tony Dokoupil details ‘growing mystery’ as parents of influencer who died on vacation speak out (themirror.com)
The parents of Ashly Robinson, the lifestyle influencer known as Ashlee Jenae, spoke publicly for the first time about her sudden death during an interview on CBS Evening News on April 14, 2026.
Ashlee’s family shared their grief and called for transparency surrounding the circumstances of her passing. The 31-year-old influencer was celebrating her birthday in Zanzibar with her boyfriend, Joseph McCann, who recently proposed to her on the trip. Authorities in Zanzibar have taken McCann into custody and confiscated his passport as investigations continue and await the results of Ashlee’s autopsy.
CBS correspondent Jericka Duncan reported that Ashlee was found unconscious at their villa in Tanzania after what hotel staff described as a domestic dispute between the couple. Initially, her death was reported as a possible suicide.
She was rushed to a local hospital but later died. McCann reportedly contacted Ashlee’s parents to alert them something was wrong, although it was the resort that ultimately informed them of her passing.
When asked if they believe McCann was involved in their daughter’s death, Ashlee’s mother, Yolanda Denise Endres, responded, “It’s under investigation, and we don’t know what’s going on.” Her father, Harry Robinson, emphasized their desire for openness, stating, “We just want transparency.”
CBS made attempts to contact McCann for comment, but he has yet to respond and remains in custody pending further investigation.
In the wake of this tragedy, Ashlee’s family has launched a GoFundMe campaign with a $50,000 goal to help cover expenses related to the investigation and to bring Ashlee home with dignity. They continue to seek answers as they cope with the loss from thousands of miles away.