Official cause of d3:ath ruled for influencer Ashlee Jenae, just days after her fairy-tale engagement
The investigation into the sudden passing of Ashlee Jenae (born Ashly Robinson), 31, in Tanzania has reached a formal conclusion. Local authorities have ruled the cause of death as suicide, putting an end to months of speculation.
Back in April, during a birthday getaway with her fiancé Joe McCann, Ashlee was found unconscious in her room at a luxury resort. A hotel employee discovered her hanging inside a wardrobe after receiving no response from the room. Initial investigative documents listed the cause of death as cerebral hypoxia caused by strangulation and suffocation.
The incident occurred just days after the romantic proposal Joe gave Ashlee during a safari in Tanzania, which she had shared widely on social media on April 3. According to police, the tragedy followed a heated argument between the couple, which led to them staying in separate rooms. Joe reported to authorities that he was the one who discovered Ashlee after she had “hanged herself on the door” the following day.
Ashlee’s passing sparked a wave of outrage and suspicion from the victim’s family. They insisted that Ashlee was a “beacon of light” and showed no signs of wanting to harm herself. The family also accused Joe of waiting approximately 11 hours before notifying them of the situation and claimed he initially attempted to downplay the severity of the incident by telling them that Ashlee was “okay”.
Throughout the investigation, Joe McCann cooperated with local authorities, voluntarily handing over his passport, and has never faced any arrest or criminal charges. Tensions between Joe and Ashlee’s family escalated, as he was not invited to her funeral, though he stated he was unaware of this. The family also alleged that he withheld Ashlee’s personal belongings, including her engagement ring.
After a long period of silence, Joe McCann spoke out on social media. He described Ashlee as his “best friend, confidante and fiancé” and expressed that “no adequate words” could describe the devastation he has suffered.
