A Father’s Devotion and Tragedy: The Joan Robinson Hill Story
Ash Robinson was a devoted father who always looked out for his only daughter, Joan. He adopted her when she was just a few months old and played a significant role in her life, even supporting her passion for horseback riding from a young age. Joan began competing in equestrian events at the age of three, and Ash made sure to rent an apartment near her college to keep an eye on her. He had a say in her relationships, and while Joan married twice before, both marriages ended in divorce.
Tragically, in March 1969, Joan passed away amid a conflict with her third husband, John Hill. Ash felt that the justice system failed to investigate Joan’s death properly, suspecting that Hill may have poisoned her. Feeling distraught, Ash reportedly decided to take action on his own.
Joan was an accomplished equestrian who gained recognition for her skills. She won numerous awards in riding competitions and even appeared in Sports Illustrated in 1959. After two earlier marriages, she wed John Hill, a well-known plastic surgeon, in 1957. However, their relationship grew distant over time, and Hill began an affair that would lead to his eventual marriage to another woman shortly after Joan’s death.
In March 1969, Joan fell seriously ill just after Hill filed for divorce. Reports suggest that instead of rushing her to the hospital, Hill chose to treat her at home. Sadly, she died shortly after being admitted to the hospital. This led to confusion and disagreement among pathologists about the cause of her death. Ash was convinced that Hill was responsible.
For years, Ash resisted accepting his daughter’s death as a mere accident. He hired private investigators to uncover the truth behind Joan’s demise, convinced that Hill had poisoned her. Ash’s persistence led to multiple investigations, and Hill was indicted in 1970. However, despite Ash’s efforts, Hill was never officially charged.
As tensions rose, it is believed that Ash decided to seek revenge, leading to Hill being shot outside his home in 1972. Three years later, Ash himself was indicted for allegedly orchestrating the murder-for-hire plot connected to Hill’s death. However, he was found not guilty, with jurors citing insufficient evidence.
Throughout this ordeal, Ash maintained that he never wanted Hill dead, expressing that violence wouldn’t resolve their problems. His journey as a grieving father facing tragedy left a deep impact on all involved.


