US Influencer’s Death in Zanzibar: Police Question Partner as Key Witness, Passport Temporarily Held

US influencer Ashly Robinson, known as Ashlee Jenae, died during a trip to Zanzibar. Police are questioning her partner Joe McCann as a witness as investigations continue.

Authorities in Zanzibar are continuing their investigation into the sudden death of American influencer Ashly Robinson, as her travel partner is being interviewed by police as a witness.

Police confirmed that Joe McCann, 45, who was on holiday with Robinson on the Tanzanian archipelago, is cooperating with investigators. Officials also said his passport has been temporarily withheld while the inquiry continues. At this stage, no one has been arrested, and police have previously indicated that McCann is not being treated as a suspect.

Robinson, 31, known online by the name Ashlee Jenae, died after being found unresponsive in the villa where she and McCann had been staying during their trip to Zanzibar.

Authorities Await Medical Report

Local police said the investigation is still ongoing and the final determination about the cause of death will depend on the official medical examination report.

Officials earlier told media outlets that Robinson may have attempted to take her own life, though authorities are waiting for medical confirmation before reaching any conclusion.

What Happened Before Her Death

According to North Unguja regional police chief Benedict Mapujira, the incident was reported to a nearby police station late on Wednesday after hotel employees became concerned about a guest who was believed to be suicidal.

Mapujira said Robinson and McCann had reportedly experienced a disagreement during their stay. Following the incident, management at the resort where they were staying, Zuri Zanzibar, separated the pair into different rooms.

Later that night, Robinson was discovered unconscious in her villa. She was rushed to hospital for medical treatment but died the following day, on 9 April, authorities said.

The resort issued a statement expressing sorrow over the event, describing it as a “tragic incident involving one of our guests.” Hotel representatives said they are cooperating with law enforcement officials and the US embassy but declined to share additional details, citing privacy and the integrity of the investigation.

Family Struggling for Answers

Robinson’s parents say the circumstances surrounding their daughter’s death remain unclear and deeply troubling.

Speaking in an interview with CBS News, her mother Yolanda Endres said the family is struggling to understand how events could have taken such a sudden turn.

Robinson had recently celebrated her birthday during the trip and had also become engaged, according to her family.

“She was supposed to be happy,” Endres said, adding that the sudden loss has left the family confused.

Her parents said they received a call from McCann roughly 11 hours after the incident that reportedly led to Robinson’s death, but they said the explanation they received lacked detail. They later learned of her passing through communication with the hotel.

US Officials Confirm Death

The US State Department confirmed that an American citizen had died in Zanzibar and said it is monitoring the situation.

In a statement, the department said protecting Americans abroad remains a top priority and offered condolences to Robinson’s family.

Social Media Posts Before the Tragedy

In the days leading up to her death, Robinson had shared images and videos from her vacation on social media, including content from a visit to a zoo in Tanzania’s northern Kilimanjaro region.

Following news of her passing, many followers have posted messages of sympathy and remembrance on her Instagram page.

Police say the investigation will continue until medical and forensic findings are completed, which they expect will clarify the circumstances surrounding Robinson’s death.