Lady Gaga Friend & Renowned Male Model ‘Zombie Boy’ Dies Of Apparent Suicide At 32
Aug. 3 2018, Updated 12:37 p.m. ET
Lady Gaga’s friend, male model Rick “Zombie Boy” Genest, has died of an apparent suicide, RadarOnline.com has learned. He was just 32.
“The suicide of friend Rick Genest, Zombie Boy is beyond devastating,” tweeted the singer after learning of her pal’s tragic passing. “We have to work harder to change the culture, bring Mental Health to the forefront and erase the stigma that we can’t talk about it.”
RadarOnline.com readers know Genest gained traction in the modeling industry after Gaga, 32, cast him in her 2011 “Born This Way” music video.
“If you’re suffering, call a friend or family today,” continued Gaga. “We must save each other.”
Apart from his good looks, acting skills and kind soul, the heavily-tattooed hunk was also known for holding the Guinness World Record for the most insect tattoos (176) as well as for the most human bone tattoos (139).
The singer shared a series of photos of her and Genest along with her touching messages.
“Science tells us that it takes 21 days to form a habit, if you’re suffering from a Mental Health issue I beckon for today to be your first day or a continuation of the work you’ve been doing,” Lady Gaga wrote in a second tweet. “Reach out if you’re in pain, and if you know someone who is, reach out to them too.”
On his Instagram, Genest showed off his ink, modeling skills and creepy aesthetic, though his last post—which he shares just hours before taking his own life—turned out to be a haunting image of a black background lit by a blurry circle of white light.
“Lo we howl upon stars hung above /we soul cast down the well of stone
as fire laid betwixt two fates/of most drear less dire straights /each breath cuts ice as flesh is weighed /in front of deaths old narrow gates/where bold and brazen last rites crate,” wrote Genest in the caption at the time.
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Details of his suicide have not been released.
RIP Rick Genest aka “Zombie Boy.”
If you or someone you know is in an emotional distress or suicidal, please call the Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
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