The investigation into influencer Ashlee Jenae’s death has officially closed. Authorities in Tanzania have ruled that the 31-year-old died by suicide following a domestic dispute with her fiancé, Joe McCann. The tragedy unfolded in April during what was supposed to be a birthday getaway at a luxury resort.
A hotel employee entered Ashlee’s villa after getting no response at the door. They found her hanging inside a wardrobe, suspended from the clothing rail using a robe belt provided by the hotel. The immediate cause of death was cerebral hypoxia caused by strangulation and suffocation. Investigators say the incident stemmed from a fight between the couple days earlier.
Just days before her death, Ashlee posted video of Joe proposing during a safari in Tanzania. The engagement looked like a fairy tale. She said yes. The video went viral. But behind the scenes, hotel staff had allegedly separated the couple into different rooms after a domestic dispute on April 8. The next day, Joe told authorities he found Ashlee after she had hanged herself on the door.
Almost immediately, Ashlee’s family publicly questioned the circumstances. They described her as a beacon of light who showed no signs of wanting to harm herself. They accused Joe of waiting roughly 11 hours before notifying them. They claimed he initially downplayed the severity by telling them Ashlee was okay. The family later banned him from attending her funeral.
Joe was questioned by local authorities during the investigation. His passport was temporarily seized, but he was never arrested or charged with any crime. The family also claimed Ashlee’s belongings, including her engagement ring, had not been returned after her body was sent home.
Eventually, Joe spoke out on social media. He called Ashlee his best friend, confidante, and fiancé. He said there were no adequate words to describe his devastation. The investigation is now complete. But for Ashlee’s family, the questions may never fully go away.
