In devastating Boxing Day news, Rihanna has alerted the world to the death of her cousin Tavon Kaiseen Alleyne.

The singer, actress and all-round megastar posted a heartbreaking photo series to Instagram, with a caption that reads: 'RIP cousin... 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! 😢🙏🏿❤ #endgunviolence'

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She has since posted a second video, with the caption: "It's nice to wake up" Be grateful for life man. #RIPTavon @merka_95.

Rihanna, 29, and her cousin, 21, spent Christmas day together, hours earlier, in her native Barbados.

According to Nation News, her cousin was walking through a track area near his house, which is at Lakes Close, Eden Lodge in the St Michael area of Barbados at around 7pm on Boxing Day when he was approached by a man and shot more than once. It is thought that the shooter then fled the scene and has not been identified.

Tavon was rushed to hospital, but later died of his injuries.

Rihanna has been extremely vocal on her social media accounts recently, stepping up her political involvement. For example, she's Instagrammed posts demanding #JUSTICE for incarcerated sexual assault victim Cyntoia Brown and calling for an end to bullying after Rosalie Avila and Ashawnty Davis both took their own lives.

It seems likely that in the wake of this horrendous tragedy, Rihanna may take an even more active stance against gun violence globally.

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Natasha Bird
Former Digital Executive Editor

Natasha Bird is the Former Executive Editor (Digital) of ELLE.