The 'Bad Romance' hitmaker calls the suicide of the Canadian model, also known as Zombie Boy, 'beyond devastating' as she tries to raise awareness about mental health issues.
- Aug 3, 2018
AceShowbiz - Lady GaGa is mourning the death of her friend Rick Genest a.k.a. Zombie Boy, who appeared in her music video for "Born This Way". The Canadian model and artist was found dead in his Montreal apartment Wednesday, August 1, CBC reported. Genest died from an apparent suicide. He was 32.
An agency representing the model confirmed the sad news on Facebook. "The whole dulcedo family is shocked and pained by this tragedy. Zombie boy, Rico, was loved by all those who had the chance to meet him and know him," Dulcedo Management wrote. "Icon of the artistic scene and the fashion world, this innovator, against popular culture, has been able to charm all hearts."
It continued to read, "We received the unfortunate news at the beginning of the afternoon and members of the team have come to support his family and relatives in this dark and difficult moment. We want to present our deepest condolences and the legend will survive human. Thank you zb for these beautiful moments in your company and for your radiant smile."
GaGa later took to Twitter to express her condolences as well as raise awareness about mental health issues. "The suicide of friend Rick Genest, Zombie Boy is beyond devastating," she began. "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. If you are suffering, call a friend or family today. We must save each other."
The suicide of friend Rick Genest, Zombie Boy is beyond devastating. 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. If you are suffering, call a friend or family today. We must save each other. pic.twitter.com/THz6x5JlpB
— Lady Gaga (@ladygaga) August 3, 2018
She added in another post, "Science tells us that it takes 21 days to form a habit, if you are suffering from Mental Health issue I beckon for today to be your first day or a continuation of the work you've been doing. Reach out if you're in pain, and if you know someone who is, reach out to them too."
Science tells us that it takes 21 days to form a habit, if you are suffering from Mental Health issue I beckon for today to be your first day or a continuation of the work you’ve been doing. Reach out if you’re in pain, and if you know someone who is, reach out to them too. pic.twitter.com/4pVR5xyoH6
— Lady Gaga (@ladygaga) August 3, 2018
"Kindness and mental health aren't one time practices. They aren't just to do list items," she also shared a link to Born This Way Foundation's website. "This fall, in partnership with @btwfoundation, I'll explore the power of habits to build cultures of kindness and wellness. Sign up to learn more."
Kindness and mental health aren’t one time practices. They aren’t just to do list items. This fall, in partnership with @btwfoundation, I’ll explore the power of habits to build cultures of kindness and wellness. Sign up to learn more https://t.co/GBVblaVKzF
— Lady Gaga (@ladygaga) August 3, 2018
Genest was famous for his head-to-toe tattoos which made him look like a skeleton. At the time of his death, he held the Guinness World Record for the most insect tattoos (176) and the most bone tattoos (139).
