Tanzanian authorities rule influencer Ashlee Jenae’s death a suicide

Tanzanian authorities have ruled the death of American influencer Ashlee Jenae, whose legal name was Ashly Robinson, a suicide, concluding an investigation that began after she was found unresponsive in her Zanzibar hotel room on April 9.

Officials with the Zanzibar Police Force said Robinson died by suicide following what they described as mental distress, according to local reporting by The Citizen. The ruling comes after weeks of scrutiny surrounding the circumstances of her death, which occurred during a trip with her fiancé, Joe McCann.

Tanzanian Investigators Cite Domestic Dispute Before Death

New details from Tanzanian authorities indicate that Robinson and McCann had a domestic dispute shortly before her death. Hotel staff reported a “romantic conflict” between the couple, and the two were moved to separate rooms the night before Robinson died.

Police questioned McCann and temporarily withheld his travel documents during the investigation, though he was not accused of wrongdoing.

Robinson, 31, was pronounced dead at a local hospital on April 9.

Influencer With a Growing Following

Robinson shared lifestyle and travel content with more than 88,000 Instagram followers, posting under the name Ashlee Jenae. Her final posts showed her celebrating her 31st birthday at a safari in Tanzania. It also included a montage of photos with rose petals spelling out “HBD Ashlee.”

Online Community Raises More Than $64,000

Since her death in April, supporters have rallied online to help her family. A GoFundMe created in her honor has raised more than $64,000.

Her fiancé, McCann, later released a public statement describing her death as an “incomprehensible tragedy” and expressing grief for her family.

Family Navigating Tragedy

Before the official ruling, Robinson’s family has expressed ongoing pain and confusion. In April, her parents told ABC News they are still trying to understand what happened during her final hours.

Robinson’s mother said her daughter had FaceTimed the family during the trip and seemed excited about her birthday and engagement.

The GoFundMe is still accepting donations. Visit the verified fundraiser page here for more information.