This is heartbreaking news for the art and music communities. Rick Genest, who rose to fame under the alias “Zombie Boy,” has reportedly died on Aug. 1. He was allegedly found in his Plateau-Mont-Royal, Montreal apartment following an apparent suicide, police told iHeartRadio Canada. He was one week away from his 33rd birthday.

Rick was probably most famous in America for his role in Lady Gaga‘s 7-minute masterpiece “Born This Way,” in which she had his tattoos replicated on her own face. Quickly after learning the news, Gaga tweeted, “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.”

https://twitter.com/ladygaga/status/1025171911138004992

Rick wasn’t just a music video star, he was also a musician, and had an album of songs on the way with former Rob Zombie’s guitarist. 

As a matter of fact, Rick had many talents. He was also beloved in the fashion circuit, modeling for brands like Thierry Mugler, GQ, Roc-A-Wear, Betsey Johnson, Asher Levine, and many more. He also played small parts in movies over the years, including 47 Ronin.

Our hearts go out to the friends and family of Rick in this tragic time.  If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. 

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