Rihanna's cousin shot dead after spending Christmas in Barbados

A cousin of singer Rihanna has been shot dead mere hours after they spent Christmas Day together in their native hometown of Barbados.

Tavon Kaiseen Alleyne, aged 21, was walking in the St Michael’s area on December 26 when he was shot by an unidentified man several times, according to local Barbadian news station Nation News.

Alleyne later succumbed to his injuries after being rushed to hospital in a private vehicle.

The eight-time Grammy award-winning singer paid tribute to Alleyne on Instagram, mourning him by posting a series of photos of her cousin while calling for an end to gun crime in the country.

“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!”

The singer also captioned the photos with an #endgunviolence hashtag.

 

Police are currently on the hunt for the shooter and have asked anyone with information to contact them. Gun violence is rife in Barbados recently with police confirming a significant increase.

Alleyene was close with Rihanna. He posted a photo to Instagram for her 29th birthday in February writing:

“Every day we are happy to have you in our lives. Happy Birthday cousin, we really love you. Your presence in my life is a source of joy and happiness. To my favorite cousin, may all your dreams and wishes come true.”

Recent figures reveal that 22 of 28 murders in Barbados this year have been gun-related.