Heartbreaking final post of 'Zombie Boy' Rick Genest

Canadian model Rick Genest, who was found dead in a suspected suicide, has left a heartbreaking final message, speaking of being “in front of deaths narrow gates”.

Better known as Zombie Boy, due to his heavy body art, Genest was found dead in his apartment by Montreal Police Wednesday.

The 32-year-old, who first rose to fame after he appeared in Lady Gaga’s music video “Born This Way” in 2011, shared on Instagram what is believed to be a self-penned 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 reads.

“lo heed our wish of madness deep from os our prayers we kissed so stern and cold on metal shells release by moonlight glow.”

At the age of 15, the model discovered that he had a brain tumour, and that the surgery to remove it could kill him or leave him disfigured. The operation was a success although he had 50 per cent of his brain removed, according to the Mirror.

“As it happened, the operation to remove the tumour went without a hitch, but since then, I’ve known life was too short to not fulfill my dreams of tattoos and body modifications,” he said.

Gaga took to Twitter to express her sadness over the news of his death: “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,” she added.

Readers seeking support and information about suicide prevention can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.

Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467.