Actress and singer-songwriter Rihanna posted images of herself and her 21-year-old cousin Tavon Kaiseen Alleyne Tuesday on Instagram to pay tribute after Alleyne's death in what is speculated to be a shooting incident in her native Barbados.
The images were accompanied with a caption in which the 29-year-old singer expressed her disbelief, adding that she had just spent time with Alleyne the night before his death.
"RIP cousin... can't believe it was just last night that I held you in my arms!" The caption read. "Never thought that would be the last time I felt the warmth in your body!!! Love you always man!"
Although Rihanna did not specify as to how her cousin died, she wrote "#endgunviolence" as a hashtag, and according to a report from a local Barbadian news station, Alleyne was the victim of a Tuesday night shooting while he has walking by a track near his home in St. Michael, Barbados. The suspect, who is still at large, reportedly shot him multiple times before fleeing the scene. Police have launched an investigation and is encouraging anyone with information in the incident to contact the authorities.
On Wednesday, Rihanna uploaded a clip of Alleyne filming himself and members of his family on Instagram. In the video, Alleyne says, "It's nice to wake up and see all of your brothers and sisters." Rihanna emphasized that people should be thankful for life in the caption of the video.
On Rihanna's Instagram tribute, she tagged Alleyne's profile in which he posted a shout-out for Rihanna's 29th birthday. He wrote that they are happy to have her in their lives and that her presence in his life is a source of joy and happiness.
