Tragedy has struck Rihanna and her family.
The singer took to Instagram on Tuesday night and passed along the sad news that her cousin had been murdered in Barbados.
Only 21 years old, Tavon Kaiseen Alleyne was shot and killed while spending time in Rihanna’s native country.
In tribute to her late loved one, Rihanna wrote the following on her social media account.
“RIP cousin… can’t believe it was just last night that I held you in my arms!” Rihanna captioned a slideshow of four photos with Alleyne.
She added:
“Never thought that would be the last time I felt the warmth in your body!!! Love you always man! #endgunviolence.”
While followers have expressed their condolences to Rihanna and passed along their sympathies online, many have also focused on the hashtag she included.
End. Gun. Violence.
This is probably as contentious of an issue as exists in America right now.
Heck, the same day Rihanna shared this post, Teen Mom 2 star Jeremy Calvert received both backlash and compliments for gifting his four-year old daughter with a rifle.
Some folks are aghast that any father would do such a thing…
… while others think Calvert was acting responsibly by teaching his child gun safety at a young age.
In other words: gun violence is a complicated issue.
Rihanna has been applauded by some for her call to action above, while others have wondered what steps she is referring to, exactly.
As for the specifics of what happened with her cousin:
According to local reports, Alleyne was simply walking near his residence in Lake Close, Eden Lodge, St. Michael, around 7 p.m. when he was approached by a man who shot him multiple times before fleeing the scene.
The victim was then rushed to a nearby hospital and later pronounced dead.
Authorities in Barbados have launched an investigation.
It’s a tragedy.
In February, Alleyne posted a special message to Rihanna in honor of her birthday.
“Every day we are happy to have you in our lives,” he wrote at the time, adding:
“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.”
May he rest in peace.