Lady Gaga Mourns Death of Beloved Rick ‘Zombie Boy’ Genest
Lady Gaga is mourning the death of her beloved Rick "Zombie Boy" Genest, a 32-year-old artist famous for his head-to-toe tattoos who appeared in Gaga's video for "Born This Way." Genest was 32 when he was found dead Wednesday (August 1) of an apparent suicide, according to People.
“The suicide of friend Rick Genest, Zombie Boy is beyond devastating,” Gaga tweeted Thursday night. “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’re suffering, call a friend or family today. We must save each other.”
Gaga also gave followers some practical advice if they or someone close to them is suffering.
“Science tells us that it takes 21 days to form a habit, if you’re suffering from [a] Mental Health issue I beckon for today to be your first day or a continuation of the work you’ve been doing," she wrote. “Reach out if you’re in pain, and if you know someone who is, reach out to them too."
"Kindness and mental health aren’t one time practices. They aren’t just to do list items," she concluded.
Genest was the record-holder at the time of his death for most insect tattoos on his body with 176 and the most human bone tattoos with 139, according to People. He modeled for GQ, Vanity Fair, and Vogue Hommes after catching the eyes of scouts upon appearing in "Born This Way."