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Zombie Boy (Rick Genest) – tattoo model committed suicide

Rick Genest, better known by his pseudonym Zombie Boy, was found dead on August 1, 2018 at his home in Montreal. The famous Canadian tattoo model was 32 years old at the time of his death, and he did not live until his 33rd birthday for only a week..

Zombie Boy (Rick Genest) - information on suicide and photo examples of tattoos

Zombie Boy (Rick Genest) – information on suicide and photo examples of tattoos

What is he famous for?

He completely covered his body with tattoos that made Rick look like a skeleton. Thanks to them, the guy twice became the Guinness book record holder. He made his first tattoo in memory of the victory over cancer, and by the age of 20, his body was 90% covered with tattoos. The ideas and authorship of most of them belong to the tattoo artist Frank Lewis..

In one of his interviews, Genest admitted that he took pictures with people on the street for money, thereby earning his living. In 2010, his Facebook account became very popular and attracted the attention of one designer working with Lady Gaga, who offered the guy a collaboration. Later Zombie Boy took part in the filming of the video “Born This Way”, in which the singer’s makeup completely repeated Genest’s tattoo. After that, he gained his incredible popularity. The guy participated in both fashion shows and filming for glossy magazines. He also managed to star in several films, and also appeared in various television shows. By the end of 2011, the model became the face of the Mugler collection. Before his death, Rick worked with Mike Riggs on his new album..

photo Zombie Boy Rick Genest 04.12.2018 №279 - photo of Zombie Boy -

photo Zombie Boy Rick Genest 04.12.2018 №276 - photo of Zombie Boy - photo Zombie Boy Rick Genest 04.12.2018 №275 - photo of Zombie Boy - photo Zombie Boy Rick Genest 04.12.2018 №274 - photo of Zombie Boy -

Was there a suicide?

At the age of 15, Rick was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Despite the fact that the situation was critical for a long time, the removal operation was successful, but his attitude towards life changed, he often began to “joke and play” with death. It is believed that due to mental health problems, the guy decided to take his own life. Lady Gaga, having learned about the incident, wrote a post on her Twitter, in which she urged not to be afraid to ask for help from your friends and loved ones if you are suffering. However, the model’s relatives deny the possibility of suicide. His manager stated that the death was due to an accident. Genest’s house on the 3rd floor had a balcony with very dangerous railings. He had already fallen from it once, just before his death. Probably, the guy went out to smoke and sat down on the railing, but could not resist and fell again, only this time the outcome was fatal. That evening, he was at home with his girlfriend, who also claims it was not suicide. Rick was in a great mood, told her about the upcoming filming, and then went to smoke on the balcony. Without waiting for the guy’s return, she decided to check if everything was in order, but found him already dead. The girl immediately called the police and doctors. After such details, Gaga deleted the post and apologized to the relatives of the deceased..

photo Zombie Boy Rick Genest 04.12.2018 №273 - photo of Zombie Boy -

photo Zombie Boy Rick Genest 04.12.2018 №260 - photo of Zombie Boy - photo Zombie Boy Rick Genest 04.12.2018 №258 - photo of Zombie Boy - photo Zombie Boy Rick Genest 04.12.2018 №257 - photo of Zombie Boy -

A day after the tragedy, a mysterious post appeared on the model’s Instagram account. He probably put the publication on a timer. The photo showed a ring of light in the dark, and in the description of the post, a poem about Damballah, a mystical entity, which he himself wrote, was attached. Some took this as a suicide note confirming the suicide version..

Representatives of the Dulcedo management modeling agency said that at the time of her death, the model was completely sober and was not under the influence of drugs..

Sculptor Mark Quinn, inspired by Rick’s work, decided to create a bronze statue that will reach 3.5 meters in height and will be displayed in the Medical Gallery of the Museum of London. The original version of the sculpture was presented back in 2010, but now Mark has accelerated and is ready to present his creation as early as 2019.

Zombie Boy (Rick Genest) – photo from 04.12.2018

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Prepared by: lissara (Lissara Kesler)