GoFundMe for Ashlee Jenae surpasses goal amid ongoing investigation

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The GoFundMe campaign created for Ashlee Jenae, also known as Ashly Robinson, has exceeded its $50,000 goal.

As of May 1, the fundraiser has reached nearly $64,000.

Her parents, Harry Robinson and Yolanda Denise Endres, launched the fundraiser to help cover travel, funeral arrangements, and unexpected expenses following her sudden death in Tanzania.

They thanked supporters, writing that the family is “Navigating an ongoing investigation. The challenges of being thousands of miles away while trying to bring Ashly home with dignity and seek answers.”

Family Prepares Ashlee Jenae’s Funeral in New Jersey

After her body was returned to New Jersey on April 24, the family began planning a funeral service for early next week. However, her engagement ring and other personal belongings did not accompany her remains, the family reportedly told TMZ. The family believes those items are still being held as part of the investigation.

The continued donations have helped the family move forward with arrangements while they await results from an independent autopsy they commissioned.

Dispute Over Official Ruling

Authorities in Zanzibar have ruled Jenae’s death a suicide, but her family strongly disputes that conclusion. Her sister, Alyssa Endres, told NBC News she spoke with Jenae hours before her death and noticed nothing unusual. She described Jenae as happy, excited about her future, and ready to take the next steps in her life.

The family is also seeking hotel surveillance footage. They said they have had limited contact with Jenae’s fiancé, Joseph McCann. He has been questioned as a witness and had his passport suspended pending further review.

Final Days in Zanzibar

As Unheard Voices previously reported, Jenae and McCann checked into the Zuri Zanzibar hotel on April 6. Staff reportedly separated the couple into different rooms after an argument, though the cause remains unclear. Two days later, Jenae was found unconscious and later pronounced dead on April 9.

In the days before her death, she shared photos and videos from the trip, including moments celebrating her 31st birthday and her engagement.

On April 12, Jenae’s family released a statement saying “nothing about this loss feels real.” They added that “one moment she was celebrating love and life in truly Ashly fashion, and the next, she was gone.”

The message continued, “The suddenness, the unanswered questions, and the distance from home have made this tragedy even more overwhelming for our family.”