'Zombie Boy' Rick Genest Found Dead at 32 - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

JamesG · 08-03-2018, 02:43 PM

'Zombie Boy' Rick Genest Death: Model Who Starred in Lady Gaga's 'Born This Way' Video Found Dead at 32
by Roisin O'Connor
August 3, 2018

Lady Gaga is leading tributes to model Rick Genest, who has been found dead at 32. Genest was popularly known as "Zombie Boy", due to detailed bone and organ tattoos across his body, including skull-like features on his face.

He modeled for French fashion designer Thierry Mugler, starred as the face of Jay-Z's Rock-A-Wear fashion label, and appeared in Vogue Japan.

According to reports, Genest was found dead at home in Montreal, Canada. He is believed to have taken his own life, although this has not been officially confirmed.

His friend Lady Gaga, who featured Genest in her video for the hit song "Born This Way" in 2011, said the loss 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," she wrote on Twitter. "If you are suffering, call a friend or family today. We must save each other."

Genest's management confirmed the news and said they were "shocked and pained" by his death.

"Rico was loved by all those who had the chance to meet him and know him," they said in a tribute posted on Facebook. "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... thank you zb for these beautiful moments in your company and for your radiant smile."

https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-e...-a8475496.html

JamesG · 08-05-2018, 07:58 PM

Rick 'Zombie Boy' Genest’s Family Believes he Accidentally Fell to his Death
by Alexia Fernandez
August 3, 2018

Although Rick “Zombie Boy” Genest was found dead in his home on Wednesday following an apparent suicide, his family believes his death was accidental.

“For us, the family and close entourage, we feel there’s too many inconsistencies around his death to rule it as a suicide, and for people to jump to conclusions that rapidly was disappointing,” Genest’s manager Karim Leduc told PEOPLE.

He also confirmed that the 32-year-old actor and model, who famously appeared in Lady Gaga’s “Born this Way” music video, died after falling off a balcony in Montreal.

“The balcony from which he fell on the third floor was a very dangerous balcony,” Leduc added. “Just three weeks ago, I visited that balcony with him and was on it with him smoking a cigarette, as well. It’s a balcony that has very small rails/guards — an emergency/fire escape balcony – and he was leaning his back towards it like sitting on the ledge of the rail, and he fell from his backside onto the floor.”

The manager later clarified that the balcony was located “on the backside of the building,” and was not available solely for Genest’s personal use.

Both the Canadian authorities and Lady Gaga have stated that the death was a suicide, but Leduc claimed Genest, “didn’t jump from the third floor like they’re making it seem,” adding that the 32-year-old model and actor “didn’t leave any notes” and had “actually made plans for a couple things that week.”

“He’s not someone who, we feel, would commit suicide; he’s not someone who would do something like that because he’s very thoughtful of others,” Genest’s manager remarked. “Even though he was going through some very difficult, emotional periods at the time, he hung on.”

“He’s a trooper. He was always hanging on. For us, it’s just very difficult to jump to conclusions,” he continued, adding that “it’s between him and God as to what happened” as there were no witnesses to Genest’s death.

Genest’s manager also tells PEOPLE that on Wednesday morning, he received a “beautiful” Facebook message from Genest, “saying that he appreciated our relationship.”

“I responded to his message at 10:30 in the morning, but he didn’t have his phone on him that day, I guess, and didn’t see my responses, and then it happened around 5 o’clock that evening,” he said, adding that before his death, Genest “was with his girlfriend in her apartment and he told her, ‘I’m gonna go on the balcony and have a cigarette.’”

“After he was gone an unusually long time, she went to check up on him and she saw him on the ground at the bottom. She’s the one that ran up to him. She’s in a complete state of shock at the hospital now,” he explained.

The manager went on to claim that at the time of his death, Genest “was sober” and “his blood came out completely clean.”

“For us, it’s just a shock,” he added.

In a separate statement obtained by PEOPLE from Dulcedo Management, who represented Genest, they wrote that “contrary to reports,” the classification of Genest’s death “is yet to be determined.”

Confirming that the model and actor’s death occurred in Montreal’s Plateau-Mont Royal neighborhood on Wednesday afternoon, they shared that after receiving “the bad news,” they rushed to “support his family and loved ones.”

“We want to offer them our deepest condolences. Dulcedo Management is shocked and saddened by this tragedy,” they continued. “Zombie Boy, Rico, was loved by everyone who had the chance to meet and know him. Icon in the artistic scene and in the fashion and entertainment industries, this innovator has charmed all hearts.”

“As you can expect, this is an incredibly difficult time for everyone involved. We ask that the privacy of his family be respected as they grieve and in the next coming days, an official statement will be made by his family,” they added.

http://ew.com/news/2018/08/03/rick-z...-to-his-death/

JamesG · 08-05-2018, 08:01 PM

Lady Gaga Apologizes for Drawing "Unjust Conclusion" on Rick 'Zombie Boy' Genest's Death
by Emily Zauzmer
August 5, 2018

Lady Gaga is clarifying her condolences after the sudden death of Rick “Zombie Boy” Genest at age 32.

The Grammy winner, 32 — who collaborated with Genest on the 2011 music video for 'Born This Way' — wrote on Twitter Saturday, “Out of respect for Rick’s family, Rick & his legacy I apologize if I spoke too soon as there was no witnesses or evidence to support any conclusion for the cause of his death. I in no way meant to draw an unjust conclusion My deepest condolences to his entire family and friends.”

Lady Gaga added in a second tweet, “The art we made was sacred to me and I was emotional, he was an incredible artist and his art and heart will live on. Rest In Peace 🙏 You beautiful soul.”

https://people.com/music/lady-gaga-a...-genest-death/

08-03-2018, 02:43 PM	#1
JamesG Freakshow Moderator Forum Icon Join Date: Feb 01, 2008 Location: Brooklyn, NY Posts: 57,039	'Zombie Boy' Rick Genest Found Dead at 32 'Zombie Boy' Rick Genest Death: Model Who Starred in Lady Gaga's 'Born This Way' Video Found Dead at 32 by Roisin O'Connor August 3, 2018 Lady Gaga is leading tributes to model Rick Genest, who has been found dead at 32. Genest was popularly known as "Zombie Boy", due to detailed bone and organ tattoos across his body, including skull-like features on his face. He modeled for French fashion designer Thierry Mugler, starred as the face of Jay-Z's Rock-A-Wear fashion label, and appeared in Vogue Japan. According to reports, Genest was found dead at home in Montreal, Canada. He is believed to have taken his own life, although this has not been officially confirmed. His friend Lady Gaga, who featured Genest in her video for the hit song "Born This Way" in 2011, said the loss 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," she wrote on Twitter. "If you are suffering, call a friend or family today. We must save each other." Genest's management confirmed the news and said they were "shocked and pained" by his death. "Rico was loved by all those who had the chance to meet him and know him," they said in a tribute posted on Facebook. "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... thank you zb for these beautiful moments in your company and for your radiant smile." https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-e...-a8475496.html Attached Images

08-05-2018, 07:58 PM	#2
JamesG Freakshow Moderator Forum Icon Join Date: Feb 01, 2008 Location: Brooklyn, NY Posts: 57,039	Rick 'Zombie Boy' Genest’s Family Believes he Accidentally Fell to his Death by Alexia Fernandez August 3, 2018 Although Rick “Zombie Boy” Genest was found dead in his home on Wednesday following an apparent suicide, his family believes his death was accidental. “For us, the family and close entourage, we feel there’s too many inconsistencies around his death to rule it as a suicide, and for people to jump to conclusions that rapidly was disappointing,” Genest’s manager Karim Leduc told PEOPLE. He also confirmed that the 32-year-old actor and model, who famously appeared in Lady Gaga’s “Born this Way” music video, died after falling off a balcony in Montreal. “The balcony from which he fell on the third floor was a very dangerous balcony,” Leduc added. “Just three weeks ago, I visited that balcony with him and was on it with him smoking a cigarette, as well. It’s a balcony that has very small rails/guards — an emergency/fire escape balcony – and he was leaning his back towards it like sitting on the ledge of the rail, and he fell from his backside onto the floor.” The manager later clarified that the balcony was located “on the backside of the building,” and was not available solely for Genest’s personal use. Both the Canadian authorities and Lady Gaga have stated that the death was a suicide, but Leduc claimed Genest, “didn’t jump from the third floor like they’re making it seem,” adding that the 32-year-old model and actor “didn’t leave any notes” and had “actually made plans for a couple things that week.” “He’s not someone who, we feel, would commit suicide; he’s not someone who would do something like that because he’s very thoughtful of others,” Genest’s manager remarked. “Even though he was going through some very difficult, emotional periods at the time, he hung on.” “He’s a trooper. He was always hanging on. For us, it’s just very difficult to jump to conclusions,” he continued, adding that “it’s between him and God as to what happened” as there were no witnesses to Genest’s death. Genest’s manager also tells PEOPLE that on Wednesday morning, he received a “beautiful” Facebook message from Genest, “saying that he appreciated our relationship.” “I responded to his message at 10:30 in the morning, but he didn’t have his phone on him that day, I guess, and didn’t see my responses, and then it happened around 5 o’clock that evening,” he said, adding that before his death, Genest “was with his girlfriend in her apartment and he told her, ‘I’m gonna go on the balcony and have a cigarette.’” “After he was gone an unusually long time, she went to check up on him and she saw him on the ground at the bottom. She’s the one that ran up to him. She’s in a complete state of shock at the hospital now,” he explained. The manager went on to claim that at the time of his death, Genest “was sober” and “his blood came out completely clean.” “For us, it’s just a shock,” he added. In a separate statement obtained by PEOPLE from Dulcedo Management, who represented Genest, they wrote that “contrary to reports,” the classification of Genest’s death “is yet to be determined.” Confirming that the model and actor’s death occurred in Montreal’s Plateau-Mont Royal neighborhood on Wednesday afternoon, they shared that after receiving “the bad news,” they rushed to “support his family and loved ones.” “We want to offer them our deepest condolences. Dulcedo Management is shocked and saddened by this tragedy,” they continued. “Zombie Boy, Rico, was loved by everyone who had the chance to meet and know him. Icon in the artistic scene and in the fashion and entertainment industries, this innovator has charmed all hearts.” “As you can expect, this is an incredibly difficult time for everyone involved. We ask that the privacy of his family be respected as they grieve and in the next coming days, an official statement will be made by his family,” they added. http://ew.com/news/2018/08/03/rick-z...-to-his-death/

08-05-2018, 08:01 PM	#3
JamesG Freakshow Moderator Forum Icon Join Date: Feb 01, 2008 Location: Brooklyn, NY Posts: 57,039	*Lady Gaga Apologizes for Drawing "Unjust Conclusion" on Rick 'Zombie Boy' Genest's Death* by Emily Zauzmer August 5, 2018 Lady Gaga is clarifying her condolences after the sudden death of Rick “Zombie Boy” Genest at age 32. The Grammy winner, 32 — who collaborated with Genest on the 2011 music video for 'Born This Way' — wrote on Twitter Saturday, “Out of respect for Rick’s family, Rick & his legacy I apologize if I spoke too soon as there was no witnesses or evidence to support any conclusion for the cause of his death. I in no way meant to draw an unjust conclusion My deepest condolences to his entire family and friends.” Lady Gaga added in a second tweet, “The art we made was sacred to me and I was emotional, he was an incredible artist and his art and heart will live on. Rest In Peace 🙏 You beautiful soul.” https://people.com/music/lady-gaga-a...-genest-death/