‘Zombie Boy’ Rick Genest’s death ruled an accident not suicide
The model and actor famously starred in the video for Lady Gaga's LGBT anthem 'Born This Way'
By Steve Brown
Words: Steve Brown
‘Zombie Boy’ Rick Genest’s death has been ruled an accident not a suicide.
The model and actor, commonly known as ‘Zombie Boy’, was renowned for his eye-catching full body skeleton tattoos, and famously starred in the video for Lady Gaga’s LGBT anthem ‘Born This Way’ in 2011.
On August 1, 2018, the model and actor was found dead at his home in Montreal and at the time it was believed Genest took his own life.
However, coroner Melissa Gagnon of the Bureau du Coroner has now ruled that the 32-year-old’s fall from a third-story balcony was not intentional.
According to the Mail Online, the coroner said: “Some close friends reported that he heard voices, particularly when he used substances.
“However, Mr Genest did not seem to be in a state of psychosis or delirium when he went out on the balcony.”
According to toxicology reports, Genest was ‘highly intoxicated’ at the time of this death, which the coroner ruled as a ‘plausible’ reason for his death.
Gagnon continued: “Considering that habit and his very advanced state of inebriation, it is plausible that Mr Genest accidentally fell from the balcony.”
Following news of his death, Lady Gaga urged anyone suffering from mental health issues to seek help.
She wrote on social media: “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.”
The singer 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.”