Rihanna’s cousin Tanella Alleyne has passed away suddenly at the age of just 28.
Though no immediate cause of death was revealed, Tanella’s adoptive mother confirmed that the doctors found a large, black mass in a CT scan taken shortly before the young woman’s premature death.
On Monday, the 28-year-old’s loved ones gathered at the St George Parish Church in Barbados to mourn their loss and pay tribute to the social media influencer who boasted 55,000 followers on Instagram.
During the emotional service, Rihanna’s Lift Me Up allegedly played in the background.
“She lived a life of gratitude with an outrageous amount of attitude, sprinkled heavily with confidence,” Tanella’s adoptive mom, Julie-Ann Bryan, said.
“There was something special about Nella. She was bold and courageous. Our love for each other was lit.”
The tragic news comes six years after Tanella’s brother and Rihanna’s cousin Tavon Alleyne was shot dead on Boxing Day.
At the time, it was reported that Rihanna was “overcome with emotion” and seen wiping away her tears as the young man, 21, was laid to rest.
“Sleep well buddy… we are at peace knowing you’re in a better place than we are. We will always have a void without you, but we will never stop loving you. Hope you were happy with your going away celebration today,” the singer wrote in a tribute at the time.
As of this writing, Rihanna has yet to comment on her cousin Tanella’s unfortunate passing.
Meanwhile, mourners and well-wishers reached out on social media to pay the Instagram icon a tribute.
“You were such a sweet beautiful Angel Tanella… my condolences to your friends and family,” someone wrote.
“You were beautiful inside and out. You will be missed big time,” another expressed.
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