Police are saying that Rick Genest — better known as Zombie Boy (who also appeared in Lady Gaga's "Born This Way" music video) — jumped to his death.
TMZ reports that Montreal law enforcement sources tell them that the 32-year-old jumped from a 4th floor balcony of an apartment in Le Plateau-Mont-Royal. It was there that paramedics rushed over and performed CPR, but ultimately, they could not revive him.
Despite what law enforcement is reportedly saying, Rick's family believes that his death was not a suicide, but an accident, according to his manager Karim Leduc. Karim tells TMZ that "Rick would smoke on his balcony, and lean back on a railing while doing so." This leads his family to believe that this may have been what happened. Rick also did not leave any kind of suicide note.
Zombie Boy gained notoriety after appearing in Lady Gaga's "Born This Way" music video back in 2011, which opened the door to high-profile fashion work, modeling, and more.
Following the news of Rick's death, Lady Gaga took to Twitter to send her condolences to his family and friends, in addition to a very important message. 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."
She added, "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."
Please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), text “help” to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 or go to suicidepreventionlifeline.org if you or someone you know is in need of help.
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