LADY GAGA HAS posted a poignant tribute to Rick Genest AKA Zombie Boy following his sudden death at the age of 32.
The model and artist, who appeared alongside Lady Gaga in her Born This Way video, was found dead in his Montreal apartment on Wednesday.
Initial reports suggest he died by suicide, however it has yet to be confirmed.
In a tweet which has amassed hundreds of thousands of likes since its upload last night, Lady Gaga called for greater understanding and empathy around mental health issues.
Describing Rick’s death as ‘beyond devastating’, the singer urged fans and followers to reach out if they are suffering.
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
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.
Finishing the post with an acknowledgement of the responsibility we have towards each other as a whole, she wrote:
We must save each other.
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
Twitter has been flooded with tributes to the model, artist and performer since news of his death was confirmed.
