Miami-based lifestyle influencer Ashlee Jenae, 31, has been found dead in a hotel room in Tanzania during what was meant to be a luxury birthday trip.
Reports indicate the incident occurred just days after her fiancé, Joe McCann, proposed while they were celebrating her 31st birthday.
According to reports, McCann told Tanzanian authorities that Jenae died by suicide. However, her family and close friends have strongly rejected this account, raising concerns about the circumstances surrounding her death.
Her PR representative, along with the influencer’s family, has publicly questioned the version of events, saying it does not align with her character.
Jenae’s close friend, PR executive Samantha Britt, also disputed McCann’s account in a social media post.
“We need justice for my friend Ashlee, who was found dead in her hotel in Tanzania, and her fiancé Joe McCann claims she… Anyone who knows Ash knows she would never. We need answers now!” she wrote.
The influencer’s father, Harry Robinson, shared a heartfelt message detailing his daughter’s trip and the family’s plea for justice.
“Ashlee was on what should have been one of the happiest trips of her life, a birthday celebration in Zanzibar, Africa. Her birthday was April 5; she had just turned 31. Surrounded by beauty, love and wildlife, she became engaged during a safari, an unforgettable moment that marked the start of a future she was excited to build,” he said.
He added that Jenae and McCann were staying at a luxury villa at Zuri Zanzibar before the tragedy.
“But just days later, that dream turned into our family’s worst nightmare. Ashlee was found unconscious in her villa and rushed to a local hospital, where her death was confirmed hours later,” he added.
Their statements have intensified calls for a more detailed and transparent investigation, with concerns raised about the timeline leading up to her death.
Unverified reports circulating online allege that McCann delayed notifying authorities or contacting Jenae’s family, and continued posting on social media during the period in question.
These claims remain unconfirmed but have fueled public scrutiny. As of April 13, 2026, Tanzanian authorities are handling the case.
There are also conflicting reports about McCann’s status. While some sources claim he is in custody, there has been no official confirmation of an arrest or charges.
Authorities have not released a final cause of death, and investigations remain ongoing. The case has gained traction online, with many expressing sympathy for Jenae’s family and calling for justice.
Harry noted that the unanswered questions, compounded by the distance, have made the situation even more overwhelming for the family.