Presley Gerber, the son of former supermodel Cindy Crawford and businessman Rande Gerber, died on Sunday, September 20, at the age of 27 at a rehabilitation facility in Los Angeles. The Santa Monica Police Department responded to a report of a possible overdose at approximately 9:35 a.m. and located an adult male who was deceased. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner has deferred the cause and manner of death, pending further testing and studies, and no foul play is suspected at this time.
The family, represented by spokesperson Allie Jenkins, has requested privacy during this difficult time, stating, 'The family is asking for privacy during this very difficult and painful time.'
Presley Gerber’s Background and Public Struggles
Gerber, who followed in his mother’s footsteps as a model, began his career at age 15 and worked with brands including Calvin Klein, Dolce & Gabbana, and Moschino. He was also featured alongside his mother in a 2018 Pepsi Super Bowl commercial, recreating her iconic 1992 advertisement. Gerber had a close relationship with his younger sister, model Kaia Gerber, and the two frequently collaborated professionally.
In recent years, Gerber spoke openly about his struggles with mental health and substance abuse. He launched an Instagram series called 'Mental Health Mondays', aiming to destigmatize discussions around mental health and addiction. In a 2023 interview with the Studio 22 podcast, he described his mental health journey as a '24/7 job' and expressed a desire to help others avoid the mistakes he made. He also discussed his experiences with ibogaine, a psychoactive substance used in some rehab treatments, in a March 2024 Instagram post, writing, 'I faced what I had been running from, and somewhere in all of it, I started finding my way back to myself.'
Family Statements and Public Response
Kaia Gerber, Presley’s sister, has previously spoken about his struggles, calling him 'an absolute teacher' for sharing his experiences publicly. In an August 2024 interview with Vogue, she reflected on the family’s evolving approach to privacy, stating, 'My parents for most of our lives were very, very private and didn’t share anything — and now we have this absolute teacher, my brother, who says, 'I’m gonna be very human for everyone.''
Crawford and Rande Gerber, married since 1998, have not publicly commented beyond the family’s statement requesting privacy. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed Gerber’s death but deferred further details pending the completion of an autopsy and toxicology reports.
Legal and Professional Context
Gerber had a prior legal incident in 2019, when he was arrested for driving under the influence and later sentenced to three years’ probation and a DUI program. His modeling career included high-profile campaigns and runway appearances, though he stepped back in recent years to focus on his health and advocacy work.
The ibogaine treatment Gerber referenced in March was part of his ongoing efforts to address substance use disorder. Ibogaine, derived from a West African shrub, has been studied for its potential to reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings, though it remains classified as a Schedule I controlled substance in the United States.
Ongoing Investigation and Next Steps
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office has stated that the cause of death will be determined after additional testing, which may take several months. The Santa Monica Police Department continues to investigate the death as a suspected overdose, with no indication of foul play. The family has not provided further details about Gerber’s condition leading up to his death or the circumstances of his time in rehab.