Model Presley Gerber, son of Cindy Crawford, dies at 27 in rehabilitation center

Medical examiner findings and family statement

Presley Gerber died on Sunday, 20 September 2026, at the age of 27 while staying at a rehabilitation facility. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner confirmed the death in public records released on Monday, though an official cause of death has not been determined. A representative for the family issued a statement to People magazine requesting privacy during what they described as an exceptionally difficult and painful time. Gerber was the eldest child of supermodel Cindy Crawford and businessman Rande Gerber, and the older brother of model Kaia Gerber.

Career in fashion and advertising

Born on 2 July 1999 in California, Gerber entered the fashion industry at an early age. He made his runway debut in 2016 at age 16 for Italian fashion house Moschino. Over the following years, he walked for brands including Dolce & Gabbana, Burberry, Bottega Veneta, Tommy Hilfiger, and Ralph Lauren. In 2018, he appeared alongside his mother in a Pepsi commercial for the Super Bowl, recreating Crawford's 1992 advertisement. He signed with DNA Model Management in 2019 and participated in campaigns for Calvin Klein, Celine, Omega, and activewear brand Vuori.

Substance treatment and mental health advocacy

Gerber spoke publicly on multiple occasions about his experiences with substance dependency, panic attacks, and depression. In January 2019, at age 19, he was arrested by Beverly Hills police for driving under the influence after failing a field sobriety test. In late 2024, he created a video series titled "Mental Health Mondays" to foster open discussions regarding recovery.

During an appearance on the Studio 22 podcast, Gerber reflected on his personal motivation to share his struggles:

“Having dealt with mental health issues, depression, and some other things that come with that, I think whether I help one person or a hundred people get out of the place I once was in my life, that is all I need to do.”

In December 2025, Gerber published a video detailing his efforts to establish stability and taper off prescribed medications, noting that he had consulted more than 15 doctors during his care. In March 2026, he traveled to Mexico to undergo treatment with ibogaine, a psychoactive alkaloid derived from the root bark of the Tabernanthe iboga shrub.

Family response and tributes

Members of Gerber's family consistently voiced public encouragement during his recovery efforts. Following his March treatment, Crawford commended his determination, while his father expressed pride in his courage to confront difficult circumstances. In an August 2026 interview with Vogue magazine, Kaia Gerber discussed the broader toll of her brother's difficulties, stating that such struggles affect an entire household. Following the news of his death on Sunday, friends and public figures posted tributes across social media. Media personality Paris Hilton shared a tribute recalling their friendship and expressing sympathy for the Gerber family.