Ashlee Jenae's Death Stirs Debate — 25 Social Media Reactions
‘Rest In Preference’ — Ashlee Jenae’s Death Sparks Conversations On Black Women’s Safety & Sanity In Dating: 27 Reactions
Details continue to emerge in the mysterious death of influencer and self-proclaimed 'divestor' Ashlee Jenae, leading everyone from Cardi B to Joe Schmoe to give their opinion on the tragic case.
Born Ashly Robinson, the Miami-based influencer was celebrating her 31st birthday with a luxurious trip to Tanzania with her older white fiancé, Joe McCann, 45, who she had been dating for about a year and a half, according to her parents. McCaan surprised his girlfriend with a romantic proposal during a safari, complete with a rare albino lion. Ashlee shared the intimate moments with her 120,000 Instagram followers, painting a picture of a promising future full of love and leisure.
“Chapter 31 and I’m exactly where i need to be,” she wrote on April 5.
However, just days after her dreamy birthday and engagement, the trip turned into a nightmare when she was found unresponsive in her hotel room and then rushed to a local hospital. Ashlee died the following day, on Friday, April 10. McCann, a cryptocurrency dealer in the United States, reportedly told authorities that she died by suicide, specifically by hanging in a wardrobe using cloth from her dress.
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Earlier, the couple had an argument so intense that the staff at Zuri Zanzibar, the hotel they were staying at, had to intervene and separate them into different rooms. Local authorities were contacted because of concern about Ashlee’s well-being, according to a report from TMZ.
BBC reports that Zanzibar’s North Unguja police chief Benedict Mapujira said the case was reported late last Wednesday at a nearby police station after hotel staff raised the alarm over a guest suspected to be suicidal.
On April 14, Ashlee’s parents, Harry and Yolanda, spoke with the outlet about the mysterious circumstances surrounding their daughter’s death. Harry revealed that McCann only reached out to them once, 11 hours after Ashlee was taken to the hospital, which her father described as “really strange.” Harry said McCann assured them everything was fine, but ultimately she ended up dead. The family says they have not heard from him since.
“We’re not too sure what happened. That’s what we’re trying to figure out. I got two emails today from the embassy in Zanzibar, and they said the investigation is still ongoing. We have not determined the cause of death yet at all,” said Harry. “We just want answers.”
The family wants to review surveillance footage from the hotel where Ashlee’s unconscious body was found to put a timeline together. Her father has launched a GoFundMe with a $50K goal to cover the cost of returning her body to the States and other mounting expenses as they deal with an ongoing investigation overseas, per TMZ.
On April 14, the BBC also reported that earlier that day, the Zanzibar police said in a statement that McCann is speaking to police as a witness and has had his passport “withheld,” although no arrests have been made. Previously, police told local media that McCann was not suspected of any wrongdoing.
The case has garnered worldwide attention and spurred conversations about interracial dating, materialism, influencer lifestyle, suicide, femicide, mental health, and the killing of Black women.
Here are 27 social media reactions to the cryptic case. Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
If you, or someone you know, is affected by domestic violence, a good place to start may be to call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (1-800-799-7233), where trained counselors can listen and help to figure out next steps.
In addition, help is available from the National Alliance on Mental Illness, or NAMI. Call the NAMI Helpline at 800-950-6264 or text “HelpLine” to 62640. There are more than 600 local NAMI organizations and affiliates across the country, many of which offer free support and education programs.
If you’re experiencing distress or need someone to talk to, you can dial 988 at any time for immediate support, or call the Trevor Project Hotline at 1-866-488-7386. You can also text START to 678-678. Trained counselors are available to provide confidential support and assistance.
You are not alone.
If you or someone you love needs support right now—or at any time—please dial 988 or text 741-741.
Book Recommendations: Black Pain: It Just Looks Like We’re Not Hurting, by Terrie M. Williams Description: The legendary celebrity PR executive delves into the emotional and psychological challenges faced by Black individuals, offering insights into how these Something Happened in Our Town: A Child’s Story About Racial Injustice, by Marianne Celano, Marietta Collins and Ann Hazzard Description: Addresses themes of racial injustice and provides guidance for parents on discussing difficult topics with children, including emotions and coping strategies. Age Range: Children, recommended for ages 4-8.
Video Recommendation: “Teen Mental Health and Suicide in Black Families“ Description: This PBS documentary explores the unique challenges and experiences surrounding teen mental health and suicide within Black families, offering insights and resources for support. Age Range: Teenagers and adults, recommended for ages 13 and up.
