The death of Presley Gerber, the son of supermodel Cindy Crawford, is being investigated as an overdose.
The 27-year-old died at a rehab facility on Sunday. Santa Monica Police said on Monday they were investigating his death as a suspected overdose, and there was no indication of foul play.
“The official cause and manner of death will be determined by the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner,” the police said in a statement.
Allie Jenkins, the family’s representative, confirmed Gerber’s death. In an email on Sunday night, Jenkins said: “The family is asking for privacy during this very difficult and painful time.”
Born in California in 1999, Presley Walker Gerber was the son of American model and actress Cindy Crawford and businessman Rande Gerber, who married in 1998.
Like his sister, Kaia Gerber, he entered the modelling industry at a young age, making his runway debut for Italian label Moschino at 16.
Gerber went on to walk for brands including Burberry, Dolce & Gabbana, Bottega Veneta, as well as US labels Tommy Hilfiger and Ralph Lauren.
He modelled in campaigns for Calvin Klein, Celine, Pepsi and Omega, and for magazines including GQ Style and The New York Times Style Magazine.
Gerber spoke openly about his struggles with depression and substance abuse in recent years.
He ran his own “Mental Health Mondays” initiative and worked with NGOs, including the LA homelessness charity, A Sense of Home, according to DNA Model Management, which signed Gerber in 2019.
Appearing on the Studio 22 podcast in 2023, he discussed using his platforms to raise mental health awareness, sharing his experience of mental health and depression.
Gerber said: “(Mental health) is an issue. It is such a big part of my life. It’s a 24/7 job, and there’s so much to it.
“What I hope I can do is have made the mistakes for some other people, so they don’t have to make the same mistakes that I made.”
Last December, Gerber posted a video to Instagram detailing his use of prescription medication to help his mental health.
“Unfortunately, I’ve had a lot of loss in many different forms recently,” he said. “So that is not an excuse, but it’s the reason why I am where I’m at now.”
Crawford commented on the video at the time and said: “Presley – we love you and you are not alone.”
The 60-year-old supermodel posted on Facebook to mark her son’s 27th birthday in July, writing: “I’m so proud of the man you’ve become, but I’ll always see you as my little boy!”
His sister Kaia discussed Gerber’s “decade-long struggle with drug addiction” in the September 2026 issue of Vogue.
She said: “When something like that happens in a family, it kind of levels everyone.
“I think that’s also why I started to self-identify as the easy one and never wanted to ask for help. Because it felt like too much to have two children who were needing.
“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.’
“There’s only so much you can hide from the world. And trying to put a lid on something just makes the person feel like you’re ashamed of them.”
Gerber had received drug withdrawal treatment in the months before his death.
In March, he posted a video of himself taking a “pre Ibogaine Flood Dose” in Cancun, Mexico – a naturally occurring psychedelic drug used to treat substance use disorders, particularly opioid and alcohol dependence.
Ibogaine is illegal in the US, but it is legal to possess and administer in Mexico, making the country a popular location for treatment.
It is an unlicensed and experimental drug in the UK and is not available on the NHS.
Gerber said he had “faced what I had been running from, and somewhere in all of it, I started finding my way back to myself”.
Crawford commented on the video: “You are a warrior! Walked thru the fire to find yourself! So proud!”
His father commented: “I’m so proud of you and your courage. Facing what’s hard takes real strength and watching you find your way back to yourself is everything. I love you so much.”
His sister, Kaia Gerber, added: “That’s my brother I am so damn proud.”
Paying tribute to Presley, Paris Hilton said she felt “completely heartbroken” and described him as “sweet, sensitive, kind and genuine” and a “beautiful soul”.
Writing on Instagram, she said: “I cared about you so much, and I’m going to miss you more than words can say.
“You had such a gentle heart, and there was something so special about you that anyone who was lucky enough to know you could feel.
“I hope you knew how deeply loved you were and how many people cared about you.
“My heart is with your entire family during this unimaginable time. Rest in peace, my friend. Love you forever. You will be so deeply missed.”
How to get help if you are struggling with your mental health
- CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably) – Helpline: 0800 58 58 58
- MIND provides advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem. Information line: 0300 123 3393
- Samaritans is an organisation offering confidential support for people experiencing feelings of distress or despair. Phone 116 123 (a free 24 hour helpline).
- Shout is a 24/7 text service, free on all major mobile networks, for anyone struggling to cope and in need of immediate help. Text SHOUT to 85258
Follow STV News on WhatsApp
Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
