VANCOUVER VOICE: Sinead Kerr pays tribute to Alexander McQueen

OLYMPIC medal hopeful Sinead Kerr has paid tribute to British fashion designer Alexander McQueen, who died suddenly aged 40.

SHOCK: Sinead Kerr - a former Alexander McQueen model - admits she was in 'shock' after learning of the fashion designer's sudden death (Getty Images)

Kerr, who along with brother John is seeking to end Great Britain's 16-year figure skating medal drought in Vancouver, was a former muse for McQueen, modeling in his winter collection ten years ago.

"It's a shock," she said.

"He was one of the most inspirational people. He was down to earth, hands on, really nice. He was nothing like I'd expect him to be. 

"He just came up to me at his fashion show in his jeans and T-shirt and said, 'Hi, call me Lee.'

"He was fiddling with my hair because I was so nervous and he told me, 'Don't worry. You'll be fine.'"

There has been no official news about the cause of the designer's death but the New York Times are reporting that he committed suicide.