Police investigate suspected overdose death of 27-year-old model Presley Gerber in Santa Monica

Emergency response in Santa Monica

Presley Gerber, the 27-year-old son of model Cindy Crawford and businessman Rande Gerber, died on Sunday, 20 September 2026, at a rehabilitation center in Santa Monica, California. Gerber had checked into the residential treatment facility on Saturday evening, 19 September, while under the influence of substances, according to reports from facility contacts. Santa Monica emergency personnel responded to a 911 emergency call reporting an individual in cardiac arrest at approximately 09:35 on Sunday morning. Paramedics initiated resuscitation measures upon arrival, but declared Gerber dead roughly ten minutes later.

The Santa Monica Police Department and the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner initiated an investigation into the incident. The medical examiner completed an autopsy, though the official cause and manner of death remain deferred pending supplemental laboratory and toxicology testing.

“SMPD detectives are investigating the death as a suspected overdose. At this time, there is no indication of foul play.”

Substance treatment and ibogaine therapy

Gerber had previously detailed his prolonged struggles with depression and substance abuse. During a 2023 appearance on the Studio 22 podcast, he stated that discussing his personal mental health challenges was intended to assist others facing similar difficulties.

“That's really what I want to do: help people, whether you're depressed, you're struggling with something that is having a negative effect on your body. I mean it could be anything, and there's no judgment.”

In March 2026, Gerber shared video footage of himself undergoing an experimental withdrawal therapy known as an ibogaine flood dose in Cancun, Mexico. Ibogaine is an alkaloid extracted from the African plant Tabernanthe iboga, used in clinics in Mexico to reduce opioid withdrawal symptoms and reset drug tolerance. The substance is illegal in the United States and remains unapproved in the United Kingdom. Clinical pharmacologist José Carlos Bouso noted that ibogaine carries acute cardiac risks requiring electrocardiogram monitoring, and that reduced tolerance following treatment can lead to fatal consequences if a patient relapses to prior dosage levels.

Fashion career and family statements

Born in California in 1999, Gerber was the eldest child of Crawford and Rande Gerber, and the older brother of 25-year-old model Kaia Gerber. He began his fashion career at age 15 after signing with IMG Models, making his runway debut at the Moschino Resort show in Los Angeles in 2016. Over the following decade, he modeled for brands including Celine, Calvin Klein, Dolce & Gabbana, Burberry, Bottega Veneta, and Pepsi.

Following the death, family spokesperson Allie Jenkins requested seclusion on behalf of Crawford and Gerber.

“The family is asking for privacy during this very difficult and painful time.”

Approximately 24 hours after the death, Crawford and Rande Gerber travelled to their son's residence in Hollywood. Public figures including Paris Hilton and Brooklyn Beckham expressed condolences online. Canadian model Charlotte D'Alessio, who was in a relationship with Gerber from 2017 to 2020, also shared photographs and a public tribute dedicated to him.