The cousin of Rihanna has been shot dead hours after spending Christmas Day with the singer in Barbados.

Tavon Kaiseen Alleyne was walking in the St Michael’s area around 7 pm on Boxing Day (26 December) when he was shot by an unidentified man several times, according to Nation News. He was 21 years old.

Alleyne was rushed to hospital in a private vehicle.

The eight-time Grammy award-winning singer paid tribute to Alleyne on Instagram. She posted a series of photos of her cousin while calling for an end to gun crime in the country.

“RIP cousin,” she wrote. “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!’

The “Work” singer also captioned the photos with an #endgunviolence hashtag.

 

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

A post shared by badgalriri (@badgalriri) on Dec 26, 2017 at 7:16pm PST

Police are currently on the hunt for the shooter and have asked anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers Barbados or the District A Police Station.

Gun crime is said to have been rife in Barbados recently with police confirming a significant increase.

To mark Rihanna’s 29th birthday in February, Alleyne a posted a photo to Instagram, writing: “Every day we are happy to have you in our lives. Happy Birthday, cousin, we really love you. Your presence in my life is a source of joy and happiness. To my favourite cousin, may all your dreams and wishes come true. #LoveYouLoads #wishyoumanymoretocome.”

Recent figures reveal that 22 of 28 murders in Barbados this year have been gun-related.