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Arkansas School Director Sentenced for Orchestrating Alleged Student ‘Fight Club’ Abuse

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Arkansas School Director Sentenced for Orchestrating Alleged Student ‘Fight Club’ Abuse

An Arkansas school director has been sentenced for her involvement in what a prosecutor has described as a “makeshift fight club.”

Mary Tracy Morrison entered a guilty plea on May 4 to charges of permitting child abuse and contributing to the delinquency of a juvenile, as per court records. She faces a sentence of five years on probation and 30 days in county jail.

“Dr. Morrison has admitted that during a group session, she failed to respond appropriately,” her defense team stated to Oxygen. “Today’s plea signifies her recognition and acceptance of responsibility for not taking timely action in that situation.”

Her defense further argued that the term “fight club,” used by Prosecuting Attorney Sonia Hagood according to Kait 8 News, was misleading and fueled an unnecessary and damaging narrative within the community.

The investigation took root in April 2025 after a mother reported to the Craighead County Sheriff’s Office that her 13-year-old child was being subjected to mental and physical abuse at the ENGAGE School and The Delta Institute for Developing the Brain.

As the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) was assigned the case, police served a search warrant at the school to obtain audio and video footage, according to a probable cause affidavit reviewed by Oxygen.

Morrison’s defense team told Oxygen that the probable cause affidavit contains “false statements and mischaracterizations, some of which the prosecuting attorney also stated in open court.”

The footage revealed that Morrison and other students inflicted mental and physical abuse on the student, according to the affidavit. 

In one instance, Morrison had instructed the victim to sit on the floor as they were surrounded by 18 students and herself, police shared in the affidavit. 

 “Dr. Morrison verbally berated the child the whole time,” police wrote, “as she watched many of the other students sitting around the circle punch, kick and choke the juvenile victim sitting inside the circle.”

After a choking incident, per the affidavit, Morrison gave the perpetrator a high-five while “displaying her pleasure.” 

Additionally, during the 30-minute ordeal, Morrison asked students to share something they didn’t like about the victim’s appearance, according to the affidavit.

As one student addressed the victim, Morrison was seen hitting the victim with an unknown object and telling them to look at the student speaking, police wrote in the affidavit. “At one point,” according to the doc, “Dr. Morrison tells a student that they can hit the victim in the private area if they want to.”  

Morrison then told the victim to apologize to their peers, per the affidavit, then said she “does not want this situation to be discussed again.” 

Police noted in the affidavit that three other employees were present during various moments of the incident, though none intervened. 

 Ultimately, all three were arrested in April 2025 on charges of permitting child abuse, according to Kait 8.

Tragic Loss: Family Remembers 18-Year-Old Victim of Arcadia Lake Mass Shooting as ‘Loving and Caring

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Tragic Loss: Family Remembers 18-Year-Old Victim of Arcadia Lake Mass Shooting as ‘Loving and Caring

The tragic victim of the recent mass shooting at Oklahoma’s Arcadia Lake has been identified by her family as 18-year-old Avianna Smith-Gray. The incident, which unfolded during a gathering, left nearly two dozen people injured.

A GoFundMe page set up by Smith-Gray’s family on Tuesday evening commemorates her as “a victim of a mass shooting (Arcadia Lake Shooting)” and describes her as “a loving, caring person.”

The fundraising page highlights Smith-Gray’s love for dance, her talent in singing and hairstyling, and her natural affinity for working with children. It paints a picture of a vibrant young woman full of promise.

“Avianna was brimming with life and cherished spending time with her family, friends, and boyfriend. She had recently graduated and was eagerly anticipating walking across the stage at her graduation ceremony,” the GoFundMe message reads, emphasizing the deep love and affection she inspired in those who knew her.

Edmond fire crews entering Scissortail Campground at Arcadia Lake

In the aftermath of the shooting, emergency crews were seen entering Scissortail Campground at Arcadia Lake in Edmond, Oklahoma, on Monday, May 4, 2026, where the party took a devastating turn the previous Sunday evening. (Photo by Alonzo Adams/AP)

Local police did not confirm her identity but did confirm that an 18-year-old died as a result of injuries suffered in the mass shooting.

“We are saddened to confirm that an 18-year-old young woman has passed away from injuries sustained in the Arcadia Lake shooting on Sunday night,” the Edmond Police Department (EPD) wrote in a Tuesday night X post.

The Arcadia Lake shooting occurred shortly after 9 p.m. Sunday, according to EPD. At least 23 victims suffered gunshot-related injuries and at least 10 were taken to local area hospitals, according to a statement from EPD.

“The incident occurred during an unsanctioned party that began after dark and was advertised across multiple social media platforms, drawing a large crowd of young adults from across the metro area,” EPD’s statement read.

EPD responded to multiple 911 calls reporting shots fired.

Oklahoma City Police and the Oklahoma Highway Patrol also responded, according to EPD.

A redheaded woman stares up at a young man with tight braids

Jeremiah Braxton, who was at the party, talks to the media at the entrance to Scissortail Campground at Arcadia Lake in Edmond, Okla., on Monday, May 4, 2026, after a shooting on Sunday evening. (AP Photo/Alonzo Adams)

The trouble reportedly started when some of the party attendees started arguing with each other about their boyfriends, witness Jeremiah Braxton told The Associated Press.

“Everybody got scared, dudes was panicking, women was panicking, people seeing their friends fight,” Braxton said.

Another witness, Michael Triplet, was shot in the rear. He told the AP it was a “scary situation.”

A split screen of blue and red police lights at night and a young man revealing a bullet wound

Left: Police block off near S. Air Depot boulevard in Edmond, Okla., after a campground shooting at Lake Arcadia, Sunday, May 3, 2026. Right: Michael Triplet shows his bullet wound on Monday, May 4, 2026, after a party shooting at Scissortail Campground at Arcadia Lake in Edmond, Okla., on Sunday evening. (AP Photo/Alonzo Adams)

At this time, the police have not released any information on a possible subject and say “investigators are actively working the case.”

Fox News Digital contacted EPD for comment but did not immediately receive a response.

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Karl Urban Shines Brightly in Imperfect Sequel

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Karl Urban Shines Brightly in Imperfect Sequel



RATING: 6 / 10


Johnny Cage in fighting stance in front of Liu Kang, Jax Briggs, and Sonya Blade in Mortal Kombat II (2026)

Warner Bros.

Reflecting on my initial review of the 2021 “Mortal Kombat” reboot, I’ve reconsidered my stance after revisiting the film in anticipation of its sequel. While it was undeniably entertaining for fans of the video game series, it fell short as a cinematic narrative. The movie resembled a series of TikTok fight scenes, interspersed with cutscenes to connect the battles. Although it captured the spirit of the game, which is fundamentally about one-on-one combat, this fidelity did not translate into a compelling story. The challenge of adapting such a format into a blockbuster with narrative depth remained unmet, despite the well-executed choreography.

Pros

  • Impeccably staged fight sequences
  • Karl Urban’s Johnny Cage is a great addition to the franchise
  • Invests more into the fantasy world-building

The sequel, “Mortal Kombat II,” marks a notable improvement, subtly refining its predecessor’s formula. It offers a more developed narrative and richer world-building, moving beyond a mere excuse for combat sequences to a genuine effort at creating a fantasy universe that expands on the game’s scant lore. Nevertheless, the film remains true to its roots, crafting a storyline designed to facilitate as many character battles as possible. This installment, however, executes this concept with less brazen disregard for narrative, and the fight scenes boast more inventive choreography.

  • The fights could make better, more inventive use of each fighter’s supernatural powers
  • Characters are still very one-note

The movie begins with a flashback, introducing viewers to a young Kitana, portrayed as an adult by Adeline Rudolph, as she witnesses the tragic death of her father, King Jerrod (Desmond Chiam), at the hands of Shao Khan (Martyn Ford). With her family’s kingdom lost, Kitana is taken under Shao Khan’s wing, who raises her as his own daughter and a pivotal component in his plan to conquer Earthrealm and integrate it into the sinister Outworld. Aiding his scheme is a powerful amulet granting immortality, currently in the possession of the deceased yet boisterous Kano (Josh Lawson). Amidst this turmoil, Earthrealm requires a new champion, prompting the arrival of Johnny Cage (Karl Urban).

Drawing inspiration from the 2023 game “Mortal Kombat 1,” this portrayal of Johnny Cage reimagines him as a faded action star, introduced while reminiscing over past glories at an empty fan convention. Once a five-time black belt and world champion martial artist, Cage’s Hollywood career led him to over-rely on stunt doubles. Originally inspired by Jean-Claude Van Damme during his peak, this iteration of Cage embraces his fall from grace, in a world where audiences prefer the likes of Keanu Reeves dispatching foes with a pencil over his flamboyant, campy style.

“Mortal Kombat II” is a significant improvement on its predecessor without tweaking the formula too much. The narrative and the world-building are more expansive, feeling less like a cobbled together excuse to throw as many different characters into fights as possible and more like a sincere attempt at developing a fantasy universe beyond the flimsy lore of the source material. But this is still a “Mortal Kombat” movie, and any story has been reverse-engineered to throw as many different character combinations as possible into violent fights to the death. The big difference compared to the first movie is that it never feels quite as shameless in this regard — and it doesn’t hurt that the fights all feature more inventive choreography this time around.

Welcome Johnny Cage


Johnny Cage sitting at merch table n Mortal Kombat II (2026)

Warner Bros.

Opening in a flashback (watch our recap video to catch up before you see “Mortal Kombat II”), we are introduced to a young Kitana (played as an adult by Adeline Rudolph) just before she witnesses the death of her father King Jerrod (Desmond Chiam) at the hands of Shao Khan (Martyn Ford). With her family now losing dominion over their kingdom, Kitana is taken under the wing of Shao Khan who treats her as a “daughter,” a powerful weapon in his plan to conquer Earthrealm and transform it into part of the Hellish Outworld. Also aiding his plans is an amulet that grants immortality to whoever possesses it, although that’s currently held by the otherwise dead loudmouth Kano (Josh Lawson). In this time of need, the human realm needs a new warrior to defend it in a fight skewed against its favor, which is where Johnny Cage (Karl Urban) comes in.

Taking inspiration from his characterization in the 2023 reboot game “Mortal Kombat 1,” this take on the fan favorite figure positions him as a washed-up action star, introduced to us as he watches footage of his former glories at an empty fan convention meet-and-greet. In his younger days, he was a five-time black belt and world champion martial artist but relied too heavily on stunt men when Hollywood came calling. The video game character was inspired by Jean-Claude Van Damme, introduced in the heyday of the Muscle from Brussels, when he was still one of the leading ass-kickers in the movies — it makes perfect sense to reintroduce him as a shadow of former glories in an era where he’s self-aware enough to know “people want Keanu Reeves killing 100 dudes with a pencil” over his sillier, high-camp antics.

Urban’s performance relies on him straddling the line between in-over-his-head audience surrogate and bumbling comic relief; less tough than the supernaturally gifted fighters he’s often up against, but still handy enough in a fight if forced into one. The past several years playing the similarly washed-up Billy Butcher on “The Boys” has made it easier for the actor to play this kind of macho archetype in his sleep, and helps elevate a character who — like everybody else onscreen — is one-note by the very nature of his design. A mid-movie fight scene with Baraka (CJ Bloomfield) is the best utilization of the actor’s strengths as an action star, his approach in this fight to the death falling somewhere between clumsy and cocky, the set piece standing out because it sits next to far more tightly choreographed sequences.

This movie is a step up despite its clear limitations


Liu Kang fighting with fire in Mortal Kombat II (2026)

Warner Bros.

Aside from any depth of character across the board — is it damning to say this is fine, as no fan is coming to a “Mortal Kombat” movie for that? — the one recurring flaw with the fight scenes is that they never utilize the supernatural powers of their fighters to the extent that they should. A fighter like Liu Kang (Ludi Lin), for example, has the power to summon fireballs in the shape of dragons to take down opponents, but this feels less spectacular when the fight itself never reverts from hand-to-hand combat. Incredibly well choreographed combat that’s more inventive than anything from the first, of course, but still not living up to the fantastical potential that comes with harnessing these powers in a battle. Only a brief appearance from Queen Sindel (Ana Thu Nguyen), whose ultrasonic scream can force her opponent into submission, offers something less expected. Hopefully the planned third film can lean more into the weirder attributes of these characters and rejuvenate a formula that could easily grow stale if it continues to rely solely on fist fights.

“Mortal Kombat II” is a big step up from the previous film, largely thanks to an increased focus on the fantasy world-building; new screenwriter Jeremy Slater (formerly the showrunner and head writer of Marvel’s “Moon Knight”) is sincerely interested in building upon the mythos, not just viewing it as the necessary connective tissue between fights. One of the more welcome improvements is his approach to writing comic relief, gifting previously insufferable characters like Kano ample genuinely funny one-liners and parodying classic action movies without leaning on lazy meta self-awareness. Both he and returning director Simon McQuoid have their tongues firmly in their cheeks (it’s hard not to with this material) but still treat the world they’ve been tasked with bringing to the screen sincerely; there are no lazy fourth-wall breaking gags about how “Kombat” is spelled wrong this time around.

The question remains whether a “Mortal Kombat” movie could ever be expected to be better than this, considering the limitations of the source material. That this sequel translates the simple beat-em-up thrills of the video game into something narratively functional is about as triumphant as it could possibly get for this franchise.

“Mortal Kombat II” premieres on May 8. 

Former ‘Dances With Wolves’ Star Nathan Chasing Horse Receives Life Sentence for Sexual Assault Charges

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Former ‘Dances With Wolves’ Star Nathan Chasing Horse Receives Life Sentence for Sexual Assault Charges


LAS VEGAS (AP) — In a Nevada courtroom on Monday, Nathan Chasing Horse, known for his role in “Dances With Wolves,” received a life sentence for the sexual assault of Indigenous women and girls.

Chasing Horse was found guilty by a jury on 13 counts, primarily concerning the sexual assault of three women.

During the sentencing, victims and their families addressed Judge Jessica Peterson, sharing the ongoing trauma inflicted by the 49-year-old Chasing Horse and the spiritual betrayal they experienced due to his abuse of his position as a spiritual leader.

Corena Leone-LaCroix, who was assaulted by Chasing Horse at the age of 14, expressed her enduring loss, stating, “There is no way to get back the youth, the childhood loss, my first time, my first kiss, the graduation I never got to have. The life that little girl could have lived has been taken from me forever.”

Throughout the statements, Chasing Horse, dressed in a navy blue uniform from the Clark County Detention Center, remained expressionless. He will be eligible for parole after 37 years but continues to deny all charges against him.

“This is a miscarriage of justice,” he told the judge on Monday.

Peterson said she was struck by his continued denial of the charges despite the evidence shown in trial.

“You preyed on these women’s trusts and their spirituality, and you manipulated them for your own personal gratification,” she said before she announced his sentence.

Other charges in Canada are still pending

The sentencing wraps a yearslong effort to prosecute the former actor after he was first arrested and indicted in 2023. That initial arrest reverberated around Indian Country, with law enforcement in other states and Canada following up with more criminal charges. Those charges are still pending.

The British Columbia Prosecution Service said Chasing Horse was charged with sexual assault in February 2023, though the date of the alleged offense took place in September 2018 near Keremeos, a village about four hours east of Vancouver. In November 2023, the case paused due to Chasing Horse’s charges in the United States, but resumed the following year.

After all of Chasing Horse’s appeals have been exhausted, British Columbia prosecutors will assess next steps, Damienne Darby, communications counsel for the British Columbia Prosecution Service, said in an email.

A warrant against Chasing Horse remains outstanding in Alberta, the Tsuut’ina Nation Police Service in Alberta said in a statement following Chasing Horse’s conviction in January. The Tsuut’ina Nation Police Service said that it is in contact with the Alberta Crown Prosecutors Office regarding the warrant.

January trial focused on his role as spiritual leader

Chasing Horse was born on the Rosebud Reservation in South Dakota, which is home to the Sicangu Sioux, one of the seven tribes of the Lakota nation. Following his appearance as the young Sioux tribe member Smiles a Lot in Kevin Costner’s Oscar-winning film “Dances With Wolves,” Chasing Horse traveled across Indian Country to attend powwows and perform healing ceremonies.

During his trial, Nevada prosecutors said Chasing Horse used his reputation as a Lakota medicine man to prey on Indigenous women and girls.

Deputy District Attorney Bianca Pucci told the jury that for almost 20 years, Chasing Horse “spun a web of abuse” that ensnared many women.

Jurors heard from three women who said Chasing Horse sexually assaulted them. The jury returned guilty verdicts on some charges. He was acquitted on others.

Needing medical help

Multiple victims described how they participated in his ceremonies or went to Chasing Horse for medical help.

Chasing Horse allegedly told Leone-LaCroix when she was 14 that the spirits wanted her to give up her virginity to save her mother, who was diagnosed with cancer. He then sexually assaulted her and told her that if she told anyone, her mother would die, according to Pucci. The sexual assaults continued for years, Pucci said.

Chasing Horse denied the allegations and his attorney questioned the main accuser’s credibility, calling her a “scorned woman.” His attorney had filed a motion for a new trial, arguing that a witness was not qualified to talk about grooming and that the statute of limitations had expired. That motion was denied.

Victims and their family members testified that they struggle with their faith as a result of Chasing Horse’s actions. The mothers of the victims said Chasing Horse betrayed their trust and abused sacred traditions.

“Even to this day I struggle to regain my faith and spirituality,” said Lynnette Adams, the mother of Siera Begaye, one of the other victims.

The AP typically does not use the name of alleged sexual assault victims unless they come forward publicly or approved the use of their names, as Begaye has.

Begaye said she still faces complications after suffering an ectopic pregnancy as a result of the assault and being forced to undergo surgery.

“I am choosing to see this moment as a fresh start,” Begaye said. “I will rebuild my life, reclaim my voice and continue fighting for the future I deserve.”

Russell Wilson Considers Potential Deal with the Jets, Reveals to The Post

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Russell Wilson Considers Potential Deal with the Jets, Reveals to The Post

Russell Wilson is currently contemplating an offer to join the New York Jets.

At 37, Wilson recently visited the Jets’ facility as a free agent and was presented with a contract offer. The opportunity to reunite with his friend and former Seahawks teammate, Geno Smith, who currently leads the Jets’ depth chart, was a significant highlight for him, Wilson shared with The Post.

“The visit was fantastic,” Wilson remarked while participating as one of the numerous celebrities at BTIG Charity Day. “They made me an offer, and now I’m weighing my options. I still believe I can play at a top level, but I’ve also been given a chance to venture into TV analysis. It’s all about deciding what’s best for me right now.”

The Jets are in search of a seasoned backup quarterback to complement Smith and serve as a mentor to their less experienced players: rookie fourth-round pick Cade Klubnik, Bailey Zappe, and Brady Cook. Among the remaining free agents, none can match Wilson’s impressive credentials, which include 10 Pro Bowl appearances. Last season, in one of his three starts for the Giants before being replaced by Jaxson Dart, Wilson showcased his skills by throwing for 450 yards and three touchdowns.

Tennessee Lawmakers Clash Over Redistricting Bills in Pivotal Special Session

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Tennessee Lawmakers Clash Over Redistricting Bills in Pivotal Special Session


On Tuesday, May 5, Tennessee’s lawmakers reconvened at the State Capitol for a special session of the Tennessee General Assembly. This marked the beginning of an intensive three-day period focused on pressing legislative matters.

The initial day was dedicated to establishing procedural rules and appointing members to various committees. This foundational work set the stage for the first rounds of committee and floor discussions concerning a select number of bills slated for consideration during the session.

FBI Raids Top Democrat’s Office in Major Corruption Investigation: Unprecedented Move Stuns Political Landscape

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FBI Raids Top Democrat’s Office in Major Corruption Investigation: Unprecedented Move Stuns Political Landscape

In a bold move, the FBI conducted a high-profile raid on the office of a prominent Virginia Democrat, marking a significant step in an ongoing anti-corruption investigation.

Onlookers witnessed the startling scene as Virginia Senator Louise Lucas, visibly taken aback, observed federal agents meticulously search through her office. The raid extended to a nearby cannabis dispensary, a business Lucas co-owns in Portsmouth, located roughly 20 miles from Virginia Beach.

According to reports from Fox News, this operation is part of a “major corruption probe,” with the FBI executing multiple search warrants sanctioned by a federal judge. These warrants targeted both Lucas’s office and the adjacent dispensary.

Senator Lucas, who holds the esteemed position of President Pro Tempore in the Virginia Senate at the age of 82, was seen arriving at the location during the raid, as broadcasted live from the scene.

Amidst the unfolding events, Lucas addressed reporters, expressing her uncertainty about the specific reasons behind the FBI’s actions.

Lucas was a key advocate of Virginia’s 10-1 congressional map redistricting push.

Although Lucas and Governor Abigail Spanberger are both Democrats, they are not necessarily the best of friends.

Virginia state Senator Louise L. Lucas at work in the Virginia statehouse, on February, 20, 2019 in Richmond, VA

Virginia state Senator Louise L. Lucas at work in the Virginia statehouse, on February, 20, 2019 in Richmond, VA

L. Louise Lucas’ arrives at her office in Portsmouth, Viriginia where she encountered  multiple FBI units (Fox 5 DC)

L. Louise Lucas’ arrives at her office in Portsmouth, Viriginia where she encountered  multiple FBI units (Fox 5 DC)

L. Louise Lucas’ speaks with federal law enforcement outside of her office in Portsmouth, Viriginia where she encountered multiple FBI units (Fox 5 DC)

L. Louise Lucas’ speaks with federal law enforcement outside of her office in Portsmouth, Viriginia where she encountered multiple FBI units (Fox 5 DC)

In a Wednesday statement, the FBI noted that they were ‘executing a court-authorized federal search warrant in Portsmouth, VA.’

‘There is no threat to public safety. This is an ongoing investigation and no further information is publicly available at this time,’ the agency added.

Spanberger’s Chief of Staff sued Louise Lucas’ Marketing Director earlier this year, and Lucas was reluctant to endorse Spanberger in her 2025 gubernatorial race.

Lucas had previously been skeptical of Spanberger’s candidacy as she was a top backer of encouraging Virginia Congressman Bobby Scott, a black Democrat, to run for the post instead.

Lucas is known for being a colorful character in the Virginia legislature.

The top democrat co-authoted the state’s marijuana legalization law. In 2022, she noted, ‘I sell hemp products and CBD.’

On 4/20, a day that marijuana users celebrate the substance, Lucas shared a graphic noting ‘I fill my bong with Republican tears.’ The post was also made the day before the voters narrowly approved Virginia’s new 10-1 congressional maps.

A prolific X user, Lucas noted on Monday that she was ‘out partying [her] a** off all weekend long, where the h**l were you?’ in response to another meme that claimed she was ‘missing.’

From attending segregated schools during her education to holding a seat in America’s oldest legislative body, Lucas has had a lengthy career of firsts

Her political career has included becoming Portsmouth’s first Black councilwoman in 1984 and, by 2019, the first woman and first African American to preside over Virginia’s State Senate.

In one dramatic moment after a Confederate statue fell at a 2020 protest she attended, conspiracy charges against her were tossed as baseless. 

When Texas Senator Ted Cruz blasted her redistricting map, she fired back: ‘You all started it — and we f**king finished it.’

Heartbroken Fiancé Speaks Out After Influencer’s Tragic Safari Death and Passport Confiscation: ‘Total Devastation

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Heartbroken Fiancé Speaks Out After Influencer’s Tragic Safari Death and Passport Confiscation: ‘Total Devastation

This article addresses the sensitive topic of suicide. If you or someone you know is struggling, reach out to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

The fiancé of a well-known social media personality from New Jersey is speaking out for the first time following the confiscation of his passport by officials amid an ongoing investigation into her suspected suicide during their holiday off the African coast last month.

Ashly Robinson, also recognized by her online alias Ashlee Jenae, tragically passed away in Zanzibar while celebrating her 31st birthday, shortly after becoming engaged to her partner, Joe McCann, her family disclosed.

McCann, whose passport was initially held by Zanzibar authorities during the probe into Robinson’s death, has broken his silence in an extensive message shared on social media.

Ashlee Jenae smiling and posing for a photo

Known to her followers as Ashlee Jenae, Ashly Robinson passed during a birthday trip to Zanzibar, just after her engagement to Joe McCann, according to her relatives. (@ashleejenae/Instagram)

“There are no adequate words to describe the total devastation, emptiness, and shock I feel after losing my best friend, confidante and fiancé, Ashly Jenae Robinson,” McCann said. “As a father myself, I am also heartbroken for Ashly’s parents, Yolanda Endres and Harry Robinson. Ashly’s death is an incomprehensible tragedy.” 

The grieving fiancé went on to remember Robinson’s creativity as an influencer, as well as her love of music and hosting gatherings with her friends.

“Devoted fans knew Ashly through her charismatic online persona Ashlee, but the person I loved was Ashly, a woman who embodied the virtues of compassion, empathy, kindness, generosity, and love,” McCann continued. “A nurturing presence, Ashly cared deeply for the people closest to her, which to my eternal gratitude included me.”

McCann finished the post with an emotional tribute to Robinson, signed “Joe.”

“Ashly was an angel who shined her light on everyone fortunate enough to be in her presence. There is no way to fill the unfillable void left by Ashly’s passing and no way to make sense of this unfathomable loss,” McCann said. “All we can do is carry on Ashly’s legacy of helping other people and strive to live up to her virtues every single day.” 

Ashlee Jenae smiling in a close-up portrait

Ashlee Jenae was a social media influencer with 145,000 Instagram followers who shared lifestyle content before her death. (GoFundMe)

The post comes on the same day Robinson’s family laid her to rest in New Jersey, with sources telling TMZ that McCann was not invited to the content creator’s funeral.

Robinson’s death was ruled a suicide after she attempted to hang herself from her door in her hotel room on April 9, local authorities said. She was subsequently transported to a local hospital, where she died from her injuries one day later. 

Tanzania Police previously revealed Robinson’s death is “attributed to a misunderstanding” between the influencer and McCann, while adding that the incident forced hotel staff to separate the newly engaged couple by placing McCann in another room “for their safety.”

Shortly after her death, local authorities said McCann “continues to be questioned by the Police Force and his passport has been suspended,” but did not elaborate on the nature of the investigation.

Sources told the BBC that McCann was being interviewed as a witness in the case and is not accused of any wrongdoing.

Zanzibar

Ashlee Jenae, whose real name is Ashly Robinson, and her fiancé, Joe McCann, were enjoying a birthday trip to Zanzibar in early April when authorities say she was found inside her hotel room attempting suicide. (iStock)

Robinson’s remains were returned to her family last month, though her personal belongings — including her engagement ring — have yet to be handed over by authorities, her father, Harry Robinson, told TMZ.

Her father reportedly said he believes the items are being held by authorities as the investigation remains ongoing.

In the immediate aftermath of Robinson’s death, her family spoke out to dispute authorities’ ruling that the 31-year-old influencer died by suicide.  

In a previous interview with TMZ, Robinson’s parents, Harry and Yolanda Robinson, rejected authorities’ ruling that their daughter would take her own life, adding, “She was a beacon of light. A happy, go-lucky girl. Very excited to go on this birthday trip which later turned into a proposal.”

Her family also reportedly said that McCann waited 11 hours after Robinson was transported to the hospital before he contacted them, and only reached back out again to inform them she had passed.

Robinson’s parents told TMZ they have not heard from McCann since she died, a development that they find “very very odd,” FOX 29 reported.

“The sadness, the unanswered questions, and the distance from home have made this tragedy even more overwhelming for our family,” Robinson’s parents said in a previous statement shared to social media. 

“At this time, there is an active investigation into the circumstances surrounding Ashly’s suspicious passing,” they added.

Robinson, a popular social media influencer, had 145,000 followers on Instagram and regularly posted lifestyle content. 

Details regarding the status of McCann’s passport and whether he has since returned to the United States remain unclear. 

Fox News Digital reached out to McCann’s attorney, Zanzibar Police and the U.S. Department of State.

Julia Bonavita is a U.S. Writer for Fox News Digital and a Fox Flight Team drone pilot. You can follow her at @juliabonavita13 on all platforms and send story tips to julia.bonavita@fox.com.

High-Speed Pursuit Leads to Arrest: NADPS and RCSO Nab Suspects in Stolen Vehicle Case

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High-Speed Pursuit Leads to Arrest: NADPS and RCSO Nab Suspects in Stolen Vehicle Case


UPDATE, 5:22 P.M. – Authorities have identified the driver as Wayne Max Harden, age 53, residing on the 1800 block of Greene Street. The vehicle involved in the incident is a stolen Mitsubishi Mirage.

The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office has pressed multiple charges against Harden, including Felony Fleeing and Attempting to Elude, Misdemeanor Obstruction, Driving with a Suspended License, Operating Without Insurance, Unregistered Vehicle, Altered License Plate, and Reckless Driving.

North Augusta Public Safety will pursue additional charges against Harden related to their jurisdiction.

– Two individuals are now in custody following a vehicle chase involving a stolen car. The pursuit engaged both the North Augusta Department of Public Safety and the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office.

The chase commenced under the North Augusta Department of Public Safety’s watch and continued into Richmond County, where RCSO units joined. The pursuit moved through West Augusta and continued on I-20 Westbound.

Authorities state that the vehicle was successfully stopped after deputies performed a PIT maneuver near mile marker 198 westbound on I-20.

Count on NewsChannel 6 for the latest information as we receive it in our newsroom.

Champaign Emergency Teams Mobilize for Vehicle Incident at Kaufman Lake

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Champaign Emergency Teams Mobilize for Vehicle Incident at Kaufman Lake

In a recent development, the vehicle that plunged into Kaufman Lake in Champaign has now been successfully retrieved from the water. This update follows an earlier report confirming that no individuals were found inside the submerged car.

The incident, which occurred on a Wednesday morning, left first responders puzzled as they arrived on the scene. Randy Smith, serving as the Public Information Officer for the Champaign Fire Department, provided insights to WCIA reporters onsite. He noted the absence of any tire tracks or clear evidence explaining how the vehicle ended up in the lake.

Authorities promptly assured the public that efforts were underway to extricate the car from the water, and the retrieval was completed by 10:10 a.m. The mysterious circumstances of the vehicle’s path to the lake remain under investigation as officials seek to uncover the details surrounding this unusual incident.

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — First responders said no one is inside the car that crashed into Kaufman Lake Wednesday morning.

Randy Smith, the Public Information Officer for the Champaign Fire Department, also told WCIA’s reporter on the scene that the car should be pulled out of the water soon. There are no tire tracks and no indication of how the vehicle ended up in the water.

The Champaign Police Department’s Crime Scene Unit is on scene. 

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — Emergency crews are responding to a car that went into Champaign’s Kaufman Lake Wednesday morning.

A WCIA reporter on the scene said at least seven emergency vehicles responded to the lake after receiving word of a vehicle in the water. Only the roof is still above the lake’s surface.

As of 9:07 a.m. divers from the Champaign County Dive Team had attached ropes to the car in preparation of pulling it out of the water. There is no word if anyone is inside the car.

WCIA is working to learn more information from first responders and law enforcement. We will share update as we learn more.

This is a developing story.
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