Rihanna's cousin, 21, shot dead the day after spending Christmas together

An unidentified man open fired on Tavon Kaiseen Alleyne on Boxing Day (26 December)

Tayvon Alleyne with his cousin in photograph posted on Instagram

The cousin of Rihanna has been shot dead hours after spending Christmas Day with the singer in Barbados.

Tavon Kaiseen Alleyne was walking in the St Michael’s area around 7pm on Boxing Day (26 December) when he was shot by an unidentified man several times, according to Nation News. He was 21 years old.

Alleyne was rushed to hospital in a private vehicle.

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

“RIP cousin,” she wrote. “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 “Work” 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 Crime Stoppers Barbados or the District A Police Station.

Gun crime is said to have been rife in Barbados recently with police confirming a significant increase.

To mark Rihanna’s 29th birthday in February, Alleyne posted a photo to Instagram, 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. #LoveYouLoads #wishyoumanymoretocome.”

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

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