Rick Genest ‘Zombie Boy’ artist and model from Montreal, Canada died at age 32 in what was widely reported as a suicide. American singer and friend to Rick, Lady Gaga tweeted about his death and said it was devastating. But a statement on Rick Genest’s management Facebook page suggests that contrary to reports there’s still no official cause of death. Following which, Lady Gaga deleted her original tweet and in two new tweets, the artist apologised to Rick’s family.

Rick holds a Guinness World Record for most insect tattoos and most human bone tattoos. In her earlier tweets, Lady Gaga spoke about bringing awareness on mental health and to erase the stigma surrounding it. Canadian authorities and the singer both stated that the death was a suicide, however, Karim Leduc, Genest’s manager told People that his family and friends think it was an accident.

Lady Gaga’s Tweet Apologising to ‘Zombie Boy’ Rick’s Family

She writes in her tweet: “Out of respect for Rick’s family, Rick & his legacy I apologise 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.”

In her second tweet, she posted a picture with him and wrote: “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.”

Genest died after falling from the balcony of his Montreal apartment on August 2. Leduc said, “The balcony from which he fell on the third floor was a very dangerous balcony. 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.” Genest was a spokesperson for L’Oreal’s Demablend Professional Line, acted in the movie 47 Ronin and the television show Silent Witness and had delivered a TEDx Talk.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 06, 2018 05:07 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).