Rihanna’s cousin dies aged 28: Tanella Alleyne passes away suddenly – six years after her brother Tavon was shot dead
Rihanna’s cousin dies at age 28: Tanella Alleyne dies suddenly – six years after her brother Tavon was shot dead
- The superstar’s beloved family member passed away on Sunday, August 13
- Her funeral took place earlier this week at St George Parish Church in Barbados
- No cause of death was given, but her mother said doctors saw a ‘black mass’ after a CT scan taken before her death
Rihanna’s cousin Tanella Alleyne died suddenly, at the age of 28, just six years after her brother, Tavon, was fatally shot on Christmas Day.
The superstar’s beloved family member, who had more than 55,000 followers on Instagram, tragically lost her twin sister when they were just 14.
No cause of death was given, but her mother said doctors saw a “black mass” after a CT scan taken before her death.
On Monday, Alleyne’s loved ones filled St George Parish Church to mourn her death.
According to Loop Barbados NewsDuring the home service, Rihanna’s powerful ballad, Lift Me Up, was played.
During the eulogy, Tanella’s adoptive mother, Julie-Ann Bryan, remembered Tanella as a woman who “led a life of gratitude with an outrageous attitude sprinkled with self-confidence.”
“There was something special about Nella,” she told loved ones. “She was bold and courageous. Our love for each other was kindled.’
Gone too soon: Rihanna’s cousin Tanella Alleyne died suddenly, at the age of 28, just six years after her brother was fatally shot on Christmas Day
Rihanna previously announced her cousin Tavon’s death with a post shared on her Instagram account in 2017.
The singer wrote a message at the time to make her feelings about the tragic shooting known to the public.
She wrote, “RIP cousin… can’t believe I held you in my arms last night! never thought this would be the last time i felt the warmth in your body!!! I always love you man! #endgunviolence.’
Tavon was killed by an unidentified gunman while walking in Lake Close, Eden Lodge, St. Michael the day after Christmas.
The artist’s cousin was only 21 years old at the time and died after being taken to a hospital.
Tavon had previously spent Christmas with Rihanna and their family in the hours before his death.
It was unknown if the singer’s relative was the target or if the shooting was completely random.
Barbados police later launched an investigation into the murder, but it is unknown if the findings were ever made available to the public or to Alleyne’s family.