Rihanna is mourning the loss of her cousin Tavon Kaiseen Alleyne — four years after he was tragically killed in their homeland of Barbados.
On Sunday (Dec. 26), the Good Girl Gone Bad singer took to Instagram to share throwback photos she took with her cousin. “Miss you and dat smile cuz. #Tavon,” she captioned the post. Rih’s comment section became filled with fans and friends of the musician sending their condolences.
According to People, not much is known about Alleyne’s death. In 2017, he was shot several times while walking near his home. The Royal Barbados Police Force says his killer fled the scene and his case has remained unsolved to this day. He later succumbed to his injuries at the hospital. Authorities do not know if it was a targeted hit or random. Just hours before his death, the 21-year-old had just spent the holidays with his family.
After he passed away, Rih posted several photos with him on social media. She wrote, “RIP cousin… can’t believe it was just last night that I held you in my arms! Never thought that would be the last time I felt the warmth in your body!!! Love you always man!” She completed the message with the hashtag #EndGunViolence.
The Anti singer has been lowkey since she was named National Hero by Barbados last month. So far, the honor of National Hero has been given to 11 people — and the makeup and fashion mogul is only the second woman to receive it.
“I love Barbados. I love you guys. And I pray that the youth continue to push Barbados forward,” she said while accepting the award. “…Thank you so much for honoring me in this way. I have traveled the world and received several awards and recognitions, but nothing, nothing compares to being recognized in the soil in that you grew in. I thank you so much for this.”
Check out Rih’s post below.