Loop Barbados reported that Tanella Alleyne, a cousin of Rihanna’s, passed away and was laid to rest in a packed homegoing celebration. During the live-streamed ceremony, the 28-year-old’s adoptive mother, Julie-Ann Bryan, called her “bold and courageous” during an emotional eulogy. “Tanella lived a life of gratitude with an outrageous amount of attitude, sprinkled heavily with confidence,” Bryan said in regard to her late daughter, whose twin sister, Taneisha Alleyne, transitioned 14 years ago.
In addition, Bryan explained how Tanella received a CT scan which revealed “a big black mass.” While no actual cause of death was officially confirmed, it was relayed to the congregation that Tanella described the unfortunate discovery as the equivalent of “a big black 4×4.”
“If it is one thing that we all know, but we may not think about a lot, is that death is inevitable for everyone,” preached Reverend Suzanne Archer during her funeral sermon. “Yet, despite this knowledge and the fact that you have lost several members of the family before, including her mother, brother and twin sister, you never seem to be prepared for it, especially when the deceased is so young.”
In 2017, Tanella’s brother, Tavon Alleyne, was tragically shot and killed at the age of 21. “Me and my brother had a mother and father relationship,” Tanella explained in the above interview with The Nation Barbados shortly after his passing. “We lost our mother [when I was] seven years old and my father was never playing his part… Anything Tavon say, Tavon gonna do, but he [was never] looking for no trouble.” At that time, Rihanna paid tribute to Tavon in a heartfelt Instagram post. “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!” she wrote.