‘Zombie boy’ model Rick Genest leaves Lady Gaga ‘beyond devastated’

“ZOMBIE Boy” model Rick Genest, who shot to fame in a Lady Gaga video, has died after sending a heartbreaking final post.

MODEL and artist Rick Genest, who shot to fame in the music video to Lady Gaga’s hit Born This Way, has reportedly died by suicide at the age of 32.

The Canadian-born model was known as ‘Zombie Boy’ due to his distinctive all-over tattoos and extreme body modifications — a look that saw him cast alongside Gaga in the music video to her 2011 hit single, the pair playing a suited-up zombie couple.

Gaga today paid tribute to her “friend,” describing his suicide as “beyond devastating” and urging her millions of followers to pay attention to the mental health of their loved ones.

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

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. 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 reportedly died in his apartment in the Plateau-Mont-Royal neighbourhood in Montreal, police told iHeart Radio.

As well as his starring appearance in the Lady Gaga video, Genest booked frequent modelling jobs in magazines like Vanity Fair and GQ, as well as several small film roles.

Genest, who had over 350k Instagram followers, posted what appears to be a haunting final message to his account just nine hours ago — an apparently self-penned poem titled ‘The Well’ which speaks of being “in front of deaths (sic) old narrow gates”:

Rick Genest's final Instagram post.

iHeart reports that Genest is survived by parents Roch Genest and Catheryne Chappelle as well as two younger siblings.

If you or someone you know is in need of crisis or suicide prevention support, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or visit www.lifeline.org.au/gethelp

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