Rihanna’s cousin Tanella Alleyne died suddenly at the age of 28, just six years after her brother Tavon was fatally shot on Boxing Day.
The superstar’s beloved relative, who had more than 55,000 Instagram followers, tragically lost her twin sister when they were just 14 years old.
On Monday, Alleyne’s relatives streamed into St. George Parish Church in Barbados to mourn her death.
According to Loop Barbados News, Rihanna’s powerful ballad “Lift Me Up” was played during the home service.
During the eulogy, Tanella’s adoptive mother Julie-Ann Bryan remembered Tanella as a woman who “lived a life full of gratitude with an incredible attitude laced with confidence.”
“There was something special about Nella,” she told her loved ones. “She was brave and courageous. Our love for each other was ignited.’
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
A cause of death was not given, but her mother said doctors saw a “black mass” after a CT scan taken before her death.
Rihanna, who gave birth to her second child, a baby boy, on August 3, was reportedly “overcome with emotion” and was seen “dabbing away tears under white sunglasses” as Tavon was laid to rest says Metro.
Tavon’s family and friends wore white to celebrate her life.
In some cultures, wearing white at a funeral or memorial service can represent respect for the deceased and their achievements.
Rihanna previously announced the death of her cousin Tavon with a post shared to her Instagram account in 2017.
At the time, the singer wrote a message to share her feelings about the tragic shooting with the public.
She wrote: “RIP cousin…I can’t believe I held you in my arms just last night!” I never thought that would be the last time I would feel the warmth in your body!!! I love you always, man! #endgunviolence.’
Tavon was murdered by a yet-to-be-identified gunman while walking in Lake Close, Eden Lodge, St Michael, the day after Christmas.
So young: The superstar’s beloved relative, who had more than 55,000 Instagram followers, tragically lost her twin sister when they were just 14 years old
Close Family: According to Loop Barbados News, Rihanna’s powerful ballad “Lift Me Up” was played during the home service
Full of life: During the eulogy, Tanella’s adoptive mother Julie-Ann Bryan remembered Tanella as a woman who “lived a life full of gratitude with an incredible attitude and full of self-confidence.”
The actor’s cousin was only 21 years old at the time and died after being taken to a hospital.
Tavon had already spent Christmas with Rihanna and her family in the hours before his death.
It was unknown if the singer’s relative was targeted or if the shooting was completely accidental.
Barbadian police later opened an investigation into the murder, but it is unknown whether the results were ever released to the public or Alleyne’s family.