Montreal Model Rick 'Zombie Boy' Genest, Dies of Apparent Suicide at 32: Lady Gaga Pays Tribute

World-renowned Montreal model, Rick Genest, who is best known as Zombie Boy, has died on Wednesday, August 1 of an apparent suicide in Plateau Mont-Roya, multiple sources have confirmed. He was 32.

The late artist's agency, Dulcedo Management, took to Facebook on Thursday, August 2 to confirm his death.

The agency said in the post that it was “shocked and saddened by this tragedy.” It paid tribute to Rick by calling him an “icon of the artistic scene” who “charmed everybody’s hearts.”

The full statement reads,

The whole dulcedo family is shocked and pained by this tragedy. Zombie boy, Rico, was loved by all those who had the chance to meet him and know him. Icon of the artistic scene and the fashion world, this innovator, against popular culture, has been able to charm all hearts. 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 and the legend will survive human. Thank you zb for these beautiful moments in your company and for your radiant smile.

 

The famille dulcedo

Here's the post, check it out.

According to Radio-Canada, Rick had been struggling with mental health problems and thus he took his own life.

Following the death of Zombie Boy, songstress Lady Gaga took to Twitter on Thursday to raise awareness on the stigma surrounding mental health.

The pop singer mourned her friend Rick, who rose to fame as the star of her “Born This Way” music video, described his death as “beyond devastating”, and she called to help change the culture around mental illness.

In the first tweet, she wrote,

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.

Check it out.

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

Gaga later challenged those who are battling depression to reach out for help and encouraged people to check on everyone they love, noting that it will only take 21 days to form a habit.

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

Rest In Peace Zombie Boy!