Joe McCann says he has begun setting up a 501(c)(3) foundation in Ashlee Jenae’s honor, dedicated to preventing self-harm and supporting people with thoughts of self-harm. The investment firm CEO cites renewed pain and purpose after officials announced finding
By the time the official findings were announced, Joe McCann says the grief didn’t just return—it sharpened into something he could hold.
Ashlee Jenae’s fiancé, McCann, told that he’s begun the process of setting up a foundation in her honor. He described it as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to preventing self-harm and helping people who have thoughts of self-harm.
McCann said he felt inspired to help others after Ashlee—whose real name is Ashly Robinson—tragically took her own life during their April getaway to Zanzibar. He said that when the official findings were announced, “I felt a deep sense of renewed pain, but also purpose.”
Ashlee’s death was officially ruled a suicide. McCann is now trying to ensure the story doesn’t end there. He added, “Ashly’s story needs to be told so we can honor and cherish what she brought to this world. Her death will not be in vain, and her legacy will be preserved.”
The investment firm CEO also said he regrets that he couldn’t take away Ashlee’s pain and “deep mental anguish.” He told, “I wish I could have brought her over from the darkness into the light.”
McCann described Ashlee as his best friend and soulmate, saying she had a sweet, gentle spirit. He said he believes her legacy will have an impact “for years to come.”
He plans to share more details about the foundation later, when he makes an official announcement. McCann previously posted his full statement online, which was noted as something readers could read earlier.
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