Rihanna is calling for an end to gun violence after her cousin was tragically shot and killed yesterday, only one day after they spent the holidays together in Barbados.
On Tuesday, she took to Instagram to share multiple photos of she and her cousin, Tavon Kaiseen Alleyne, alongside the caption, “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! #endgunviolence”
According to People, an investigation by Royal Barbados Police Force found that 21-year-old Alleyne was shot several times last evening as he was walking home in Barbados by a man who remains unidentified. He later died from his injuries at a nearby hospital.
From the looks of the photos in Rihanna’s sweet tribute to her cousin, it looks as though she and Alleyne were close. When the singer turned 29 earlier this year, her cousin even posted a photo of the two together, saying, “your presence in my life is a source of joy and happiness,” and calling her his “favorite cousin.”
Fans have since taken to Rihanna’s touching post to offer their condolences for her awful loss. “So very sorry for your loss may God bless and keep you and your family during this heart breaking time,” one fan wrote. “My condolences.” Our hearts are with Rihanna and her family during this incredibly difficult time — but if there’s one thing we know about Rihanna, it’s that she’s not afraid to stand up for what she believes in. After many gun-related tragedies this year, hopefully, she will continue to fight for laws that protect others against senseless violence similar to what her cousin was a victim of.