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HEARTFELT GOODBYE

Rihanna mourns her murdered cousin Tavon Alleyne in heartbreaking pictures from his funeral in Barbados

The 29-year-old singer led a huge crowd of well-wishers who came out in force to bid farewell to Tavon, who was killed on Boxing Day at the age of 21

RIHANNA broke down as she tearfully said farewell to her cousin Tavon Alleyne during a packed service in Barbados on Wednesday.

The 29-year-old Umbrella singer wore all white as she bid a final farewell to her beloved 21-year-old relative, who was gunned down in the St Michael’s area of the island on Boxing Day.

 Rihanna was comforted by family and friends at the public funeral of her cousin
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Rihanna was comforted by family and friends at the public funeral of her cousinCredit: The Mega Agency

Determined to remember her cousin in a positive way, the star has posted several photos saying goodbye to him on social media, and calling an end to the gun violence that claimed his life.

Among the crowd, Rihanna was seen looking tearful as she hid her eyes behind a pair of oversized white shades.

The tearful pop star laid a heart-shaped wreath at the grave after a service at St George Parish Church in Barbados – just a short distance from where Tavon was killed.

According to , Rihanna had shared a post sending her heartfelt goodbyes to Tavon, and wrote ahead of the ceremony: “Sleep well buddy… we are at peace knowing you’re in a better place than we are.

 The singer attended the ceremony dressed in all white as she bid her farewell to her loved one
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The singer attended the ceremony dressed in all white as she bid her farewell to her loved oneCredit: The Mega Agency
 Rihanna has since called an end to the gun violence that claimed her 21-year-old cousins life
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Rihanna has since called an end to the gun violence that claimed her 21-year-old cousins lifeCredit: The Mega Agency
Rihanna is pictured laying flowers on her murdered cousin's grave at his funeral
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Rihanna is pictured laying flowers on her murdered cousin's grave at his funeralCredit: Instagram

“We will always have a void without you, but we will never stop loving you.

“Hope you were happy with your going away celebration today.”

Rihanna previously told of her heartbreak after Tavon’s brutal slaying, telling her 59million Instagram followers: "RIP cousin... can't believe it was just last night that I held you in my arms!

The tearful singer laid a heart-shaped wreath as she bid him a final farewell
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The tearful singer laid a heart-shaped wreath as she bid him a final farewellCredit: Instagram
Rihanna has paid tribute to her cousin, 21-year-old Tavon Kaiseen Alleyne
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Rihanna is pictured with her cousin, 21-year-old Tavon AlleyneCredit: Instagram
The pop star shared this snap of Tavon's grave after the funeral in Barbados
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The pop star shared this snap of Tavon's grave after the funeral in BarbadosCredit: Instagram

"Never thought that would be the last time I felt the warmth in your body!!! Love you always man!"

She also called for an end to gun crime in the emotional post.

Tavon’s sister Tanella previously revealed how she was relaxing with her boyfriend when she heard the gunshots.

Rihanna shared a touching tribute to her cousin on Instagram
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Rihanna shared a touching tribute to her cousin on InstagramCredit: Instagram
Rihanna shared a number of photographs taken with her cousin
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Rihanna shared a number of photographs taken with her cousinCredit: Instagram
The cousins were close and Rihanna told of her devastation at his death
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The cousins were close and Rihanna told of her devastation at his deathCredit: Instagram

The cousins had been close, with Tavon having wished Rihanna a happy birthday in February

She said: “I thought they were from the people over there, so I didn't run out when I heard them.

“Only when my sister called me I put two and two together – I told myself, that's Tavon."

Tanella said Tavon was heading to his girlfriend's house when he was shot, and said he would never have gone looking for trouble.

Pictures of the murder scene show yellow police tape around the back of a property and next to a parked car.

Tavon was rushed to hospital but later died from his injuries.

A 23-year-old man has since been arrested and charged with murder, according to .


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