Ashley Robinson’s family demands answers after New Jersey influencer dies while on trip with fiancé in Zanzibar
A New Jersey family is seeking answers after the sudden death of their daughter.
while travelling abroad with her fiancé. Ashley Robinson’s family say they have received little information about what happened and are demanding a transparent investigation.
Robinson, an influencer who met Ashley Jayne online, recently travelled to Zanzibar with her boyfriend, Joe McCann. Social media posts on his Instagram account reveal that the trip was to celebrate Robinson’s 31st birthday. McCann also proposed to Robinson during the trip.
Investigators in Tanzania said during a news conference on Tuesday that they were questioning McCann and holding his passport pending the results of an autopsy. Local media had previously reported that authorities did not suspect him of wrongdoing.
Her father, Harry Robinson, said, “She was always smiling. She loved being in front of the camera.” “Nothing about it makes sense. It doesn’t make any sense.”
In an interview with CBS News, Robinson’s parents said that their daughter had appeared happy in the days before her death.
“They were in a beautiful place in Africa and were happy,” said their mother, Yolanda Andres. “All we knew was that she was supposed to be happy. She got engaged, then she celebrated her birthday and then she was gone.”
The family said they first knew something was wrong when McCann called to say Robinson was in the hospital, but details were limited.
“I asked him when and where it happened, and he told me it was about 11 hours before he got to me,” Andres said.
He said communication then stopped. The next update, he said, came from the hotel, which informed him that his daughter had died.
“The fiancee didn’t even contact us. We found out from the hotel,” Harry Robinson said. “It’s devastating when your daughter is halfway around the world. We just wanted to know where she was, who she’s with, and if she’s okay. Just give us something.”
The family said they have received no information from police or medical officials and still do not know the circumstances surrounding Robinson’s death. They are now demanding a full investigation, including a review of surveillance video from the resort.
“There are cameras everywhere in the resort and they will match the timeline,” Harry Robinson said. “Just check and let us know.”
In a statement, the Zanzibar government’s Ministry of Tourism and Heritage following the case urged the public to investigate the death by police and other local agencies.
“We respectfully request continued patience and understanding as law enforcement officials move forward with their investigation, ensuring due process and maintaining integrity for all parties involved,” the statement said.
The Zuri Hotel, where the pair were staying, said it was cooperating fully with local authorities and the US Embassy in Tanzania.
“The management of Zuri Zanzibar is deeply saddened by the tragic incident that occurred with one of our guests,” a statement from the hotel said in part. “Our sincere thoughts and condolences are with the family and loved ones during this painful time.”
Robinson’s parents are hoping for answers as soon as possible.
“His family right now, we’re grieving,” Andres said. “So we need to know. We just need to know. And we need to get him home.”
Asked if he believed McCann had anything to do with Ashley Roncinan’s death, Andres told CBS News, “We don’t know what happened.”
“It’s under investigation, and, like we said, you know, we just want transparency,” Harry Robinson said.
Robinson’s family said they went to the embassy in Washington on Monday seeking answers but did not receive new information. They said they hope to have an update soon that they can share with Robinson’s followers.
