'Zombie boy' model Rick Genest leaves Lady Gaga 'beyond devastated'

'Zombie Boy' Rick Genest. Photo / Getty Images

Model and artist Rick Genest, who shot to fame in the music video to Lady Gaga's hit Born This Way, has reportedly died by suicide at the age of 32.

The Canadian-born model was known as 'Zombie Boy' due to his distinctive all-over tattoos and extreme body modifications — a look that saw him cast alongside Gaga in the music video to her 2011 hit single, the pair playing a suited-up zombie couple.

Gaga today paid tribute to her "friend," describing his suicide as "beyond devastating" and urging her millions of followers to pay attention to the mental health of their loved ones.

Genest reportedly died in his apartment in the Plateau-Mont-Royal neighbourhood in Montreal, police told iHeart Radio.

As well as his starring appearance in the Lady Gaga video, Genest booked frequent modelling jobs in magazines like Vanity Fair and GQ, as well as several small film roles.

Genest, who had over 350k Instagram followers, posted what appears to be a haunting final message to his account just nine hours ago — an apparently self-penned poem titled 'The Well' which speaks of being "in front of deaths (sic) old narrow gates":

Rick Genest's final Instagram post. Photo / Instagram

iHeart reports that Genest is survived by parents Roch Genest and Catheryne Chappelle as well as two younger siblings.

Where to get help:

• Lifeline: 0800 543 354 (available 24/7)
• Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO) (available 24/7)
• Youthline: 0800 376 633
• Kidsline: 0800 543 754 (available 24/7)
• Whatsup: 0800 942 8787 (1pm to 11pm)
• Depression helpline: 0800 111 757 (available 24/7)
If it is an emergency and you feel like you or someone else is at risk, call 111.