Model Rick "Zombie Boy" Genest was found dead in his Montreal apartment on August 1, police sources told CBC Radio Canada.
According to authorities, Genest, who's famously known for his extensive tattoo collection, passed away at about 5 pm. His death has been classified as a suicide.
The 32-year-old claims the Guinness World Record for the most insect tattoos on his body (a total of 176) and for the most human bone tattoos (139), including one of a brain covering the top of his head and a skull across his entire face.
After capturing the public's attention for his unique look, Genest was recruited to walk the runway for major fashion brands in Paris and Berlin. He also appeared in magazines including GQ, Vanity Fair, and Vogue Hommes.
"The zombie concept is also often used as a metaphor for runaway consumerism. Rebelling from this notion is the very meaning of punk," he explained in an interview with Wonderland magazine in 2012.
"The origins of the zombie creature came about from stories of people being buried alive in times of plagues and such crises; that would come out the other side "˜transformed'. Zombies, to many, represent a pervasive xenophobia. As in my life, I was often out-casted, hated or misunderstood," the model continued.
He also appeared in Lady Gaga's 2011 music video for her hit song "Born This Way." When the Grammy Award-winning singer heard of Genest's passing, she took to Twitter to say that his death was "beyond devastating."
"The suicide of friend Rick Genest, Zombie Boy is beyond devastating," she tweeted. "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're suffering, call a friend or family today," she added. "We must save each other," she added.
The suicide of friend Rick Genest, Zombie Boy is beyond devastating. 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. pic.twitter.com/THz6x5JlpB
— Lady Gaga (@ladygaga) August 3, 2018
The "Applause" singer followed up her message with a second tweet encouraging her fans to "reach out if you're in pain."
"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," she wrote.
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
Genest's memory will live on through a 3.5-metre bronze sculpture created by famed British artist Mark Quinn. It is set to appear in London's Science Museum in 2019.
"I find him rather amazing. He is an artist. His artwork is himself," Quinn told The Guardian back in March.
Take a look at Genest's appearance in the iconic "Born This Way" music video below.
If you or anyone you know needs help, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.
