- Music
- 03 Aug 18
Zombie Boy was renowned for his tattoos
Canadian model Zombie Boy (real name Rick Genest) has died at 32.
Canadian police told Radio-Canada that Zombie Boy died in Montreal and that they are classifying his death as a suicide.
The heavily-tattooed model caught the attention of many high-end designers but rose to fame after starring in Lady Gaga's 'Born This Way' music video.
Gaga herself took to Twitter to pay tribute to the model and to encourage anyone suffering as a result of their mental health to seek help.
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
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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
The model was tattooed from head to toe, earning him a significant following online. He held the Guinness World Record for most insects (176) and most human bone (139) tattoos.
He got His first tattoo at the age of 16 and at 21 met Montreal tattoo artist Frank Lewis, who is predominantly responsible for the rest of Zombie Boy's inkings.
Fans of both the model and Lady Gaga took to social media to express their sympathies.