Lady Gaga has paid tribute to her Born This Way video co-star Rick Genest following his death and has called for greater awareness of mental health.
Genest was found dead at his home in Montreal, Canada in what have been reported as tragic circumstances.
Gaga said the death of the 32-year-old - known as 'Zombie Boy' because of his tattoos - was "beyond devastating".
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. pic.twitter.com/4pVR5xyoH6
— Lady Gaga (@ladygaga) August 3, 2018
"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."
The star, real name Stefani Germanotta, continued: "Reach out if you're in pain, and if you know someone who is, reach out to them too."
Gaga told her social media followers that she would be working to raise mental health awareness in the months ahead.
"Kindness and mental health aren't one time practices," she said. "They aren't just to do list items.
"This fall, in partnership with @btwfoundation [Gaga's Born This Way Foundation], I'll explore the power of habits to build cultures of kindness and wellness."
If you have been affected by issues raised in this article, please contact the Samaritans on 116 123.
