The family of lifestyle influencer Ashlee Jenae is demanding answers following her death during what was meant to be a celebratory birthday trip to Tanzania. In a statement released Sunday, the family confirmed that an active investigation is underway into the circumstances they describe as 'suspicious.'
Ashlee Jenae, whose legal name was Ashly Robinson, was celebrating her 31st birthday on April 5 at the luxury villa Zuri Zanzibar with her fiancé Joe McCann. The family's statement painted a stark contrast between the joyful occasion and the tragedy that followed.
"But just days later, that dream turned into our family's worst nightmare," the family wrote. "Ashly was found unconscious in her villa and was rushed to a local hospital, where her death was confirmed hours later."
The statement continued with an acknowledgment of the ongoing investigation: "At this time there is an active investigation into the circumstances surrounding Ashly's suspicious passing. Although we have many questions, we are placing our trust in the officials in Zanzibar and are working closely with them as we seek clarity and answers."
Robinson's social media presence documented what appeared to be a dream vacation. On April 3, she posted a video showing Joe proposing to her on one knee during a safari. Her final post, dated April 5, captured her feeding a giraffe while standing near rose petals arranged to spell "HBD Ashlee" in red and white.
The caption accompanying that last post read, "Chapter 31 and I'm exactly where I need to be."
The family has not disclosed additional details about the nature of the investigation or what led them to characterize Robinson's death as suspicious. They indicated they are cooperating with Tanzanian authorities as the investigation proceeds.
The sudden loss has transformed what was documented as a milestone celebration into a family tragedy, with loved ones now seeking answers about what transpired at the luxury resort in Zanzibar.