A 31-year-old woman from New Jersey, Ashly Robinson, died on April 9 while on vacation in Zanzibar, Tanzania. Her family reports receiving limited information about the circumstances of her death from local authorities and her traveling companion. An investigation by Tanzanian authorities is ongoing.
Incident Timeline
According to statements from Robinson's parents, Harry Robinson and Yolanda Endres, their daughter traveled to Zanzibar to celebrate her 31st birthday on April 5. She was accompanied by her boyfriend of one year, Joe McCann, who proposed during the trip.
April 8: Robinson contacted her mother to report an argument with McCann. According to Endres, the couple was subsequently moved to separate rooms at their accommodation.
April 9: Endres stated she received a call from McCann approximately 11 hours after an unspecified incident. McCann reportedly informed her that Robinson had harmed herself, was being taken to a hospital, and was in stable condition.
Later on April 9: The hotel notified the family that Robinson had died.
Official Findings and Statements
The Zanzibar Police Force has concluded its investigation, ruling that Robinson's death was a suicide resulting from mental distress.
Medical records from two hospitals provide the following documented information:
- A hospital medical report noted an unidentified mark around Robinson's neck.
- The report states McCann reported finding Robinson having hung herself on a door.
- A second hospital listed the cause of death as cerebral hypoxia by strangulation and suffocation.
Following the incident, Tanzanian investigators questioned McCann and retained his passport pending autopsy results. Authorities have stated McCann is not currently a suspect in the case.
On May 5, McCann issued a public statement describing Robinson's death as an "incomprehensible tragedy" and referencing her aspirations and relationships with family and his children.
Family Response and Requests
The family launched a GoFundMe campaign that raised over $64,000 for funeral and travel expenses. They have reported the following actions and concerns:
- They received their first notification from McCann, who provided few details, and their second notification from the hotel.
- They stated they have not received direct communication from Tanzanian police or medical officials regarding the circumstances.
- They visited the U.S. embassy seeking information but reported receiving no new updates.
- They are requesting a review of surveillance footage from the resort to establish a timeline of events.
- They have expressed a need for clarity regarding the sequence of events leading to Robinson's death.
- They are considering traveling to Zanzibar to seek additional information.
Robinson's parents have stated their daughter had not previously exhibited behavior suggesting she would harm herself and appeared happy in the days before her death.
Current Status
The investigation by Tanzanian authorities is ongoing. Autopsy results are pending. Attempts by news outlets to contact McCann, the resort, and the U.S. embassy were unsuccessful.