Tanella Alleyne, the beloved cousin of superstar Rihanna, has sadly passed away at the age of 28, just six years after her brother, Tavon, was fatally shot on Christmas Day.
The funeral for Tanella Alleyne took place earlier this week at St George Parish Church in Barbados. Although the cause of her death was not disclosed, her mother mentioned that doctors had discovered a concerning “black mass” during a CT scan conducted before her passing.
During the solemn ceremony, Rihanna’s touching ballad, “Lift Me Up,” was played as a tribute to Tanella.
Julie-Ann Bryan, Tanella’s adoptive mother, delivered a heartfelt eulogy in which she described Tanella as a woman who lived life with gratitude, confidence, and a bold attitude. She emphasized the deep love they shared for each other.
Tanella’s passing deeply affected Rihanna, who recently gave birth to her second child. Witnesses reported that Rihanna was visibly emotional during Tavon’s funeral, dabbing tears away from beneath her white sunglasses.
Tanella’s family and friends chose to wear white attire to the celebration of her life, a gesture of respect for the departed.
Fans and well-wishers expressed their condolences and left tributes on Tanella’s last Instagram post, which she shared on June 12, following the tragic news of her passing.
Tanella’s mother tragically died at the young age of 27 due to complications related to HIV. In 2019, Tanella used World AIDS Day to raise awareness about the condition and to inspire and empower people living with HIV/AIDS. She aimed to dispel myths surrounding the condition and motivate those who felt powerless.
Tavon, Tanella’s brother, was a victim of a fatal shooting while taking a walk in Lake Close, Eden Lodge, St. Michael, on the day after Christmas. The circumstances surrounding his murder remain unclear.
Rihanna expressed her grief on social media, lamenting the sudden loss of her cousin and urging an end to gun violence.
Follow “Rihanna”
Written by:
Dana Sterling-Editor
