Rick Genest known as “Zombie Boy” has passed on at the age of 32. He was found dead at his home in Montreal, Canada and is believed to have taken his life just days before what would have been his 33rd birthday next Tuesday.
Genest got the name “Zombie Boy” due to tattoos of bone and organ across his body, including skull features on his face. The model wore several hats, from model to actor, and rose to fame in 2011 when he appeared in a music video for Lady Gaga’s “Born This Way.”
In her tribute to Genest, Gaga described the loss as “beyond devastating.” She took to Twitter and wrote: “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.”
She followed this by sharing a photo of herself and Rick – and urging fans who might be struggling with their mental health to “reach out”.
https://twitter.com/ladygaga/status/1025173295539335169
Genest modelled for Thierry Mugler, a French fashion designer, he appeared in Vogue Japan and was once the face of Jay-Z’s Rocawear fashion label.
A tribute was posted on Facebook by Genest’s management saying they were “shocked and pained” by his death.
“Rico was loved by all those who had the chance to meet him and know him. 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… Thank you zb for these beautiful moments in your company and for your radiant smile.”
Genest did a procedure at a young age because of a brain tumour and suffered from mental health issues throughout his life. He got his first tattoo at age 13 and within three years, his whole body was covered with bone and organs drawings. His unusual tattoo earned him a Guinness World Record for most insects tattooed on the body – a total of 176.
As a teen, Genest was left homeless and lived in the streets of Montreal. In an interview last month, he revealed he was working with The Home Depot Canada Foundation’s Orange Door initiative, which helps support homeless youth.