Pop star Rihanna (29) mourned as she lost a cousin very close to her: Tavon Kaiseen Alleyne was shot dead at Christmas.

On the social network Instagram, she remembered Wednesday the 21-year-old, with whom she had just celebrated Christmas on her home island of Barbados hours ago: "I can not believe that I held you in my arms last night. Never would I have thought that for the last time I was allowed to feel the warmth of your body. I will always love you." The singer also called for an end to gun violence.

Photos that Rihanna added show her and her eight-year-younger cousin in close bondage and hug. According to US media, Tavon had been gunned down on the open street by an unknown man on the evening of Christmas Day. He died shortly afterwards at the hospital of his serious injuries.