Rihanna makes emotional plea to end gun violence after 21-year-old cousin's shock death

Rihanna called for an end to gun violence on Wednesday, as she mourned the loss of her cousin who was reportedly shot dead in her homeland of Barbados, hours after the pair were together for Christmas.

The 29-year-old 'Work' singer posted an emotional message to Instagram alongside a slideshow of images of herself and the young man she named as Tavon.

"Can’t believe it was just last night that I held you in my arms!" she wrote. "Never thought that would be the last time I felt the warmth in your body!!!"

She added the hashtag, "#endgunviolence."

Local news station, Nation News, named the victim of a fatal shooting as 21-year-old Tavon Kaiseen Alleyne. But a representative for Rihanna is yet to confirm the report.

Meanwhile, Barbados Today, reports Alleyne was killed in his home by an intruder who police are currently searching for. Authorities have reportedly launched an investigation and are urging anyone with information on the incident to contact them.

The Grammy winner followed up with another image and tagged the Instagram account, "@merka_95."

"'It's nice to wake up'," she wrote. "Be grateful for life man. #RIPTavon."

On February 20, Rihanna’s cousin wished the hitmaker a happy birthday on Instagram.

"Every day we are happy to have you in our lives," Alleyne wrote. "Your presence in my life is a source of joy and happiness. To my favorite cousin, may all your dreams and wishes come true."

He added the hashtags, "#LoveYouLoads" and "wishyoumanymoretocome."

Rihanna joins a long list of celebrities who have spoken out against gun violence, including, Amy Schumer, Ariana Grande, and Gigi Hadid.