Instead of celebrating the close of the holiday season and 2017, Rihanna and her relatives find themselves engulfed in grief. The chart-topping singer's young relative was fatally shot in Barbados just one day after Christmas festivities.
According to local Barbadian outlet The Nation, Tavon Alleyne was peppered with gunfire by an unknown assailant around 7 p.m. on December 26, while strolling close to his residence in the Lakes Close area of Eden Lodge. The gunman vanished from the scene.
At 21 years old, Alleyne was rushed to a nearby medical facility via private vehicle, but ultimately succumbed to his injuries.
Rihanna took to Instagram to share a heartfelt homage to her cousin and issued a passionate appeal to put an end to gun violence. She had shared Christmas with Alleyne just the day before the fatal incident, and additional accounts suggest the two cousins maintained a close bond. She penned:
The pop star additionally uploaded a video clip of Alleyne declaring, "It's nice to wake up." Pairing the footage with a caption, she urged her 59 million followers to "Be grateful for life man."
A woman going by Tanella, who described Alleyne as her brother, also shared an emotionally devastating hospital photograph capturing her anguish over the untimely loss. "I never thought the day would come that I would have to bury you my love," she wrote.
Detectives continue their investigation into Alleyne's killing and are actively pursuing the shooter. Officials are urging anyone with relevant details or leads to contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIPS (8447).
Our condolences go out to Rihanna, Tanella, and their entire family as they navigate this heartbreaking chapter.
