ZANZIBAR – The partner of a US social media influencer who died in Zanzibar is cooperating with local police as a witness, authorities confirmed Thursday. Ashly Robinson, 28, known to her 500,000 Instagram followers as Ashlee Jenae, was found unresponsive in her hotel room on Tuesday.
Police spokesperson Juma Mwinyi stated Robinson had no visible injuries and preliminary reports suggest suicide. “The deceased’s partner is assisting with inquiries as a witness,” Mwinyi told reporters, without naming the individual.
Robinson had been documenting her East African travels on social media, with her final post showing sunset views from Stone Town two days before her death. Friends described her as “always positive” in tributes flooding her Instagram page.
US Embassy officials confirmed they were providing consular assistance but declined further comment due to privacy concerns. Tanzanian tourism representatives emphasized this was an isolated incident unrelated to visitor safety.
Mental health advocates highlighted the pressures of influencer culture, with one psychologist noting: “The curated perfection of social media often masks private struggles.” Local authorities expect to conclude their investigation within two weeks.