Double Tap to Zoom

Rick Genest, the model and actor otherwise known as "Zombie Boy," has been found dead at his home in Montreal, the BBC reports. He is believed to have died by suicide. He was 32 years old.

Born and raised in Quebec, Genest was famous for the ghoulish "corpse" tattoos that covered 90 percent of his body and face. At 15 he was diagnosed with a brain tumor, which he had surgically removed through an incision in the roof of his mouth. He got his first tattoo at 16, quit school at 17, and joined the local punk scene.

In 2011, he appeared in the video for Lady Gaga's "Born This Way." Gaga took to Twitter to share the tragic news and call for a greater understanding of mental health issues and to "erase the stigma that we can't talk about it." Read her posts below.

Genest modeled for French fashion designer Thierry Mugler, appeared in Vogue Japan, and in 2012 became the face of JAY-Z's Rocawear fashion label. He also, notably, covered our very own Highsnobiety magazine on our fourth issue.

If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts, there are resources to help you. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline provides free and confidential support for people in distress 24/7, and prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones. You can call directly at 1-800-273-8255. In the UK, you can contact Samaritans at 116-123.

We Recommend
  • Y-3's Super-Powered Adizero Shoe Is an Unconventional Stunner
  • adidas’ Daintiest Samba Mary Jane Is a Floral Cutie
  • Say Ciao to adidas’ Most Italian Sneaker
  • Yuto Horigome’s Nike Air Force 1 Skate Shoe Shouldn’t Be This Clean. But It Is
What To Read Next
  • New Balance’s England-Made Dad Shoe Is All Croc, No Bite
  • A Techy adidas Dad Shoe Becomes a Strappy Ballet Sneaker With Ease
  • First, Nike's Retro Sneaker Went Bode. Now, It’s Gone Miu Miu
  • Nike’s Classy Air Max Loafer Is Practically a Silver Bullet
  • The Original Nike Sneaker Is Back in Orbit
  • This Beautifully Understated Nike Sneaker Is a Wearable Tribute