Family seeks answers after influencer dies on vacation in Tanzania

The family of content creator Ashly Robinson, known online as Ashlee Jenae, seeks answers after she died during a birthday trip to Zanzibar, Tanzania.

The family of Ashly Robinson is seeking answers after the social media influencer died while on vacation with her fiancé in Tanzania earlier this month.

On April 12, Robinson's family members, who have ties to the Philadelphia region, took to Instagram to share a statement regarding her unexpected passing. They revealed that Robinson, who was known as Ashlee Jenae online, had journeyed to Zanzibar, Tanzania, for her birthday, which she had just celebrated on April 5, turning 31.

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“Surrounded by beauty, love, and wildlife, she became engaged during a safari, an unforgettable moment that marked the start of a future she was so excited to build,” the family had written.

The statement shared that Robinson and her fiancé, Joe McCann, 45, were staying in a luxury villa at the Zuri Zanzibar. The vacation was Robinson's "dream trip."

“But just days later, that dream turned into our family’s worst nightmare,” the statement continued. “Ashly was found unconscious in her villa and was rushed to a local hospital, where her death was confirmed hours later.”

Robinson's death has left her family with unanswered questions.

"At this time, there is an active investigation into the circumstances surrounding Ashley's suspicious passing," the family wrote. "Although we have many questions, we are placing our trust in the officials in Zanzibar and are working closely with them as we seek clarity and answers."

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The end of the statement dived into the family's love for Robinson.

"She was vibrant, full of life, and had so much ahead of her," they wrote. "Our Family is completely devastated, and we appreciate the prayers, and compassion we have received as we navigate this unimaginable loss."

Days before her death, Robinson had posted a video on Instagram of McCann proposing to her while on a safari with Serval Wildlife, a wildlife sanctuary and luxury ecotourism resort.

The video's caption read, "Still taking this in… somewhere in Africa."

In her last Instagram post, Robinson shared moments from her birthday celebration. In a few photos and videos, she is feeding a giraffe while surrounded by rose petals that read "HBD Ashlee."

“Chapter 31 and I’m exactly where I need to be,” Robinson wrote in the caption.

According to NBC News, during a press conference, local police said that an investigation revealed that on April 8, Robinson and McCann reportedly had a fight, prompting the hotel to separate them into different rooms.

That same day, police said Robinson had asked a hotel worker for help regarding a phone charger. The hotel worker came to Robinson's hotel room door, but she didn't answer.

Police said the hotel worker used an emergency key and found Robinson in the room attempting to hang herself.

The hotel worker immediately called for help, and Robinson was then rushed to the hospital. On April 9, she passed away while undergoing treatment, according to police.

Police added that McCann continues to be questioned by investigators, and his passport has been suspended.

The investigation is ongoing and no other information has been released at this time.

A GoFundMe was created in support of Robinson's family. The money raised will help with travel costs, arrangements, and unexpected expenses.

If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline or chat live at 988lifeline.org. You can also visit SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources for additional support.