'Zombie Boy', 32, found dead at home in Montreal

Canadian model Rick Genest was found dead in his Montreal apartment days before his 33rd birthday.

Hours before his death, he shared an ominous poem on his social media accounts.

Better known as 'Zombie Boy,' Genest first shot to fame in 2011 after appearing in Lady Gaga's music video Born This Way.

In a series of tweets on Friday (Aug 3), the pop star mourned his death, saying that his suicide is "beyond devastating."

"If you are suffering, call a friend or family today. We must save each other," she wrote, highlighting the importance of addressing mental health issues.

Genest captivated the world with his heavily tattooed appearance and held Guinness World Records for the most bones (139) and insects (176) tattooed on the body.

His unique looks also saw him strutting down French designer Thierry Mugler's runway and modelling in fashion magazines such as GQ and Vanity Fair.

minlee@sph.com.sg

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