The short version
- Presley Gerber died on September 20 at a rehab facility in Los Angeles, according to medical examiner records.
- The former model had previously discussed his battles with depression and drug addiction in interviews and social media posts.
- His sister Kaia Gerber recently described the family-wide impact of his decade-long struggle with substance abuse.
Presley Gerber, the son of supermodel Cindy Crawford and businessman Rande Gerber, has died at the age of 27. Records filed by the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner indicate that he passed away on Sunday, September 20, while staying at a rehabilitation facility. The specific cause of death was not disclosed in the initial filings. Allie Jenkins, a representative for Crawford and her husband, confirmed the news and stated that the family is requesting privacy during this difficult period.
Gerber followed in his mother’s footsteps by pursuing a career in modeling. He was signed by IMG Models at age 15 and made his runway debut for Moschino in 2016 when he was just 16 years old. Throughout his career, he worked with major fashion houses including Burberry, Dolce & Gabbana, Bottega Veneta, Celine, and Calvin Klein, as well as commercial brands like Pepsi. His younger sister, Kaia Gerber, has also established herself as a prominent model in the industry.
In recent years, Gerber became increasingly open about his personal battles with mental health and substance abuse. In a 2023 interview on the Studio 22 podcast, he described depression and related issues as a significant part of his life, characterizing recovery as a constant effort. He expressed a desire to use his platform to help others who might be struggling with similar negative effects on their bodies or minds, emphasizing that there should be no judgment in seeking assistance.
His social media presence also reflected these ongoing challenges. In a post from December 2025, which has since been deleted, Gerber discussed the depressant medications he was taking to manage panic attacks. He frequently shared updates about his recovery journey on Instagram, aiming to normalize conversations around mental health struggles. This public vulnerability stood in contrast to earlier legal troubles, including a 2019 arrest for driving under the influence, which resulted in probation and mandatory community service.
The impact of Gerber’s addiction extended beyond his own experiences, affecting his family dynamics significantly. In the September 2026 issue of American Vogue, Kaia Gerber spoke candidly about her brother’s decade-long struggle with drug addiction. She noted that such situations tend to level everyone in the family, creating a shared burden. She explained that she had begun to identify as the 'easy one' and avoided asking for help because it felt overwhelming to have two children simultaneously needing support.
Cindy Crawford also reflected on her son’s life prior to his death. In a social media post from July 3, she shared a photograph of Gerber as a young boy, expressing pride in the man he had become while acknowledging that she would always remember him as her little boy. This sentiment underscores the personal loss felt by his parents, who have maintained a relatively private life despite their high-profile careers and business ventures, including Rande Gerber’s co-founding of Casamigos tequila with George Clooney.
The circumstances surrounding Gerber’s death highlight the complexities of addiction treatment and mental health care. While he was receiving professional support at the time of his passing, the lack of a disclosed cause of death leaves many details unclear. The family’s request for privacy suggests a desire to process their grief away from public scrutiny, even as the broader implications of his story continue to resonate with those affected by similar issues.
Gerber’s life and career serve as a reminder of the pressures faced by individuals in the public eye, particularly those raised in celebrity households. His early success in modeling was juxtaposed with significant personal challenges that he attempted to address through both private treatment and public advocacy. The tragedy of his death at such a young age underscores the persistent nature of addiction and mental health disorders, which can impact anyone regardless of their resources or support systems.
As news of his passing spreads, attention is likely to focus on the importance of accessible mental health resources and the stigma surrounding addiction. Gerber’s efforts to share his story were aimed at reducing this stigma and encouraging others to seek help. His legacy may now include not only his contributions to fashion but also his role in fostering open dialogue about the difficulties of managing mental health and substance dependency in modern society.
The family has not provided further details regarding funeral arrangements or memorial services, adhering to their request for privacy. Friends, colleagues, and fans are expected to pay tribute in various ways, reflecting on Gerber’s talent and his courage in speaking out about his struggles. The fashion industry, which welcomed him at a young age, may also reflect on the well-being of its participants and the support structures needed to protect them from similar pitfalls.
Sources behind this briefing
Go to the original reporting
- BBC News↗Presley Gerber, Cindy Crawford's son, dies aged 27
- The Guardian US↗Presley Gerber, son of Cindy Crawford and Rande Gerber, has died aged 27
