'Zombie Boy' model Rick Genest, best known for appearing in Lady Gaga's music video, has died at 32

Rick Genest, known artistically as 'Zombie Boy', has died age 32.

The model was found dead in his Montreal apartment on Wednesday, and police are treating his death as suicide.

When Lady Gaga cast the heavily tattooed Genest in her film clip for 'Born This Way' in 2011, Genest rose to international stardom, modelling for GQ, Vanity Fair and Vogue Hommes.

Lady Gaga addressed his death in a tweet on Thursday.

"The suicide of friend Rick Genest, Zombie Boy is beyond devastating," she wrote. "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.

"If you are suffering, call a friend or family today. We must save each other."

In a second tweet, Lady Gaga wrote, "Science tells us that it takes 21 days to form a habit, if you're suffering from [a] 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."

Genest's last Instagram post was allegedly published after his death. It was a photo of a ring of light, accompanied by a poem.

"—THE WELL— o Damballa lo we howl upon stars hung above we soul cast down the well of stone as fire laid betwixt two fates of most drear less dire straights each breath cuts ice as flesh is weighed in front of deaths old narrow gates where bold and brazen last rites crate," the poem read. "Lo heed our wish of madness deep from os our prayers we kissed so stern and cold on metal shells release by moonlight glow — Zombie Boy."

Genest is the current Guinness World Record holder for the most insect tattoos on his body (176) as well as another record for the most human bone tattoos (139).

He would have turned 33 next week.

Readers seeking support and information about suicide prevention can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14, Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467 or Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800.