Our thoughts and prayers go out to Rihanna and her family today as they try and cope with the loss of her cousin Tavon Kaiseen Alleyne. He was reportedly walking on a track near his home in the St. Micheal area of Barbados around 7 p.m. when he was confronted by an unidentified man, shot and killed. The man fled the scene and has yet to be found. RiRi posted a tribute to her cousin on Instagram after finding out about his passing and it's pretty heartbreaking. It seems like the singer spent the holidays in Barbados with this cousin and the rest of her family – according to her message for Tavon on social media.

Rihanna 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! ???❤ #endgunviolence."

We did a little investigative work and looked at Tavon's Instagram account as well. It seems like he and Rihanna may have been super close. He posted a photo of the pair back in February for her birthday with the caption, "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. #LoveYouLoads #wishyoumanymoretocome?????????."

She posted another video which was previously recorded in selfie mode by her cousin. She quoted him in her caption that read, ""It's nice to wake up"
Be grateful for life man. #RIPTavon @merka_95."

This is incredibly tragic especially because it happened around such a magical time of the holiday season that always brings families together. Rihanna not only used her voice and platform to bid farewell to her family member but to also bring up the issue of gun violence. The world saw too many lives lost in 2017 to mass shootings and individual murders. They are completely senseless acts and we can only hope that it might get better in 2018.

The Barbados news station that released the name of the victim also revealed he was transported to the hospital shortly after the shooting via a private vehicle. It was at the hospital that he was pronounced dead. Again, our hearts are with Rihanna and her entire family during this time.

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