Influencer’s Mysterious Death in Zanzibar Sparks Family Outcry

A travel influencer from New Jersey, Ashley Robinson, known online as ‘Ashley Jenna,’ tragically passed away during a vacation to Zanzibar with her fiancé, Joe McCann. This event has led her family to call for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding her sudden death.

Reportedly, McCann proposed to Robinson while they were on this trip, celebrating her 31st birthday. Tanzanian authorities launched an investigation on April 14, stating they are questioning McCann and retaining his passport until the autopsy results are finalized.

Robinson’s family was initially informed by McCann that she was in the hospital, but later, they discovered the news of her death at the hotel. They expressed concerns that McCann ceased communication with them after that initial phone call.

“They were happy in a beautiful place in Africa,” her mother, Yolanda Endres, shared. “We thought she was having a wonderful time. She got engaged, celebrated her birthday, and then… just left.”

Yolanda asked for details about the incident, to which McCann mentioned something had occurred at the last moment before he reached out to her.

Robinson’s father, Harry, noted the shock of learning about their daughter’s fate from afar. “My fiancé never reached out to us. We found out at the hotel. It’s unbelievable to think your daughter is so far away, and all you want is to know that she’s safe,” he said.

Reports indicate that Robinson was found unresponsive in her hotel room and was pronounced dead on April 9. Authorities are treating her death as a potential suicide. Investigators mentioned that an argument took place between Robinson and McCann before her passing, leading hotel staff to separate them; McCann was relocated to a villa a short walk away, according to reports.

Robinson’s family is urging a comprehensive investigation into her death, advocating for a review of the hotel’s CCTV footage. “There are cameras throughout the resort that can corroborate the timeline,” Harry Robinson stated. “We just want answers.”

Upon her death, it was noted that Robinson had marks on her neck. A hospital report indicated that her fiancé “found her hanging in the door,” contributing to the family’s concern over the situation.

Authorities in Tanzania confirmed that the investigation into Robinson’s death is ongoing, while the U.S. State Department is keeping an eye on the situation. The hotel stated it is cooperating with the U.S. embassy and local officials.

“We respectfully ask for continued patience as law enforcement follows up with the investigation to ensure due process and the integrity of all involved,” the Zanzibar government’s Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Heritage commented.