The short version
- Santa Monica police are investigating the death of model Presley Gerber as a suspected overdose following his passing at a rehabilitation center.
- Los Angeles County Medical Examiner records confirm he died on Sunday, though the precise cause remains undetermined pending further analysis.
- Family representatives have requested privacy during this period, echoing previous public discussions by Gerber and his sister regarding mental health struggles.
Santa Monica police announced on Monday that they are investigating the death of Presley Gerber as a suspected overdose. The twenty-seven-year-old model passed away on Sunday at a rehabilitation facility in Los Angeles County. While authorities have stated there is no indication of foul play, the exact cause of death has not yet been determined by medical examiners.
Gerber was the son of supermodel Cindy Crawford and businessman Rande Gerber. He had established his own career in the fashion industry, following in the footsteps of his mother and younger sister, Kaia Gerber. His professional journey began at age sixteen with a runway debut for Moschino, leading to campaigns for major luxury brands such as Burberry, Dolce & Gabbana, and Bottega Veneta.
In recent years, Gerber had been open about his personal battles with mental health issues and substance use. During a 2023 appearance on the Studio 22 podcast, he discussed his struggles with depression and other related challenges. He expressed a desire to help others who might be in similar situations, noting that assisting even one person would be meaningful.
His sister Kaia also addressed the family's experiences with addiction in an interview published this month in American Vogue. She described how such issues affect everyone in the household and explained her own reluctance to seek help in the past. Kaia noted that their parents had historically been very private, contrasting this with Presley’s willingness to be open about his humanity and struggles.
The Gerber family has often highlighted their close bonds in public appearances. Presley and Kaia modeled together for Calvin Klein in 2018, a collaboration he described as enjoyable because of their tight relationship. He also shared that traveling with his sister made the demanding schedule less isolating. Additionally, Presley appeared alongside his mother in a Pepsi commercial during the 2018 Super Bowl, marking twenty-six years since Cindy Crawford’s iconic advertisement for the brand.
Crawford posted two childhood photographs of her son on Instagram in July to celebrate his twenty-seventh birthday. In the accompanying message, she expressed pride in the man he had become while noting she would always see him as her little boy. This public display of affection underscores the family's connection prior to this tragic event.
A representative for Cindy Crawford and Rande Gerber, Allie Jenkins, spoke with CBS News regarding the situation. She stated that the family is requesting privacy during this difficult and painful time. The request for space aligns with the sensitive nature of the circumstances surrounding his death at a treatment facility.
Rande Gerber is known in business circles for co-founding Casamigos tequila alongside actor George Clooney. While Presley pursued modeling, his father maintained a prominent role in the hospitality industry. The family’s public profile has often intersected with their professional endeavors, from high-fashion runways to major advertising campaigns.
As the investigation continues, officials have emphasized that no foul play is suspected. The focus remains on determining the medical cause of death through standard procedures. Until the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner releases a final report, details regarding the specific circumstances of his passing will remain incomplete.
The loss highlights ongoing conversations about mental health and addiction within high-profile families. Both Presley and Kaia have used their platforms to discuss these challenges, aiming to reduce stigma and encourage others to seek support. Their openness stands in contrast to the traditional privacy often maintained by celebrity households.
Sources behind this briefing
Go to the original reporting
- BBC World↗Death of Cindy Crawford's son Presley Gerber being investigated as suspected overdose
