Presley Gerber, the 27-year-old son of supermodel Cindy Crawford and businessman Rande Gerber, has died. The news was confirmed on Sunday, September 20, 2026.
TMZ was first to report the heartbreaking news, citing the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner, which confirmed that Presley died on Sunday at a rehab facility. A representative for the family also confirmed his passing, sharing a brief statement: “The family is asking for privacy during this very difficult and painful time.”
An initial autopsy has been completed, but further testing is still pending, and officials have not released an official cause or manner of death. The Santa Monica Police Department said it is investigating the death as a “suspected overdose,” CNN reported, citing a media release from the agency. Officers were called to a location on Berkeley Street at 9:35 a.m. on Sunday after a report of a possible overdose and found an unresponsive man, later identified as Gerber. He was pronounced dead at 9:45 a.m. Police added that there is no indication of foul play. An investigation is not a conclusion, and unverified claims circulating on social media should be treated with caution.
A Life in the Spotlight
Presley Walker Gerber was the eldest child of Cindy Crawford and Rande Gerber, and the older brother of model and actress Kaia Gerber, 25. Born into one of fashion’s most famous families, Presley followed his mother and sister into modeling, appearing in campaigns and walking runways while building a public profile of his own. He signed with IMG Models at 15 and made his runway debut for Moschino at 16, going on to walk for Burberry, Dolce & Gabbana, and Tommy Hilfiger and appear in campaigns for Calvin Klein, Pepsi, and Omega.
But alongside the glamour, Presley spoke with unusual candor about his private battles. In January 2019, he was arrested on suspicion of DUI, an incident that led to three years of probation, a DUI education program, and community service.
Open About His Struggles
In recent years, Presley had been strikingly honest about his mental health and substance use. Speaking on the Studio 22 podcast about three years ago, he reflected on his depression and his desire to help others facing similar struggles.
“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,” he said at the time. “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.”
Then, in December 2025, he posted a raw, since-removed Instagram video in which he discussed the medications he had been prescribed. “Here’s some clarity for ya — the truth will set you free (hopefully),” he said, describing how his use of benzodiazepines had fluctuated with the ups and downs of his life. He spoke about taking Xanax for severe panic attacks and Valium in the mornings, and admitted the situation frightened him.
“Unfortunately, I’ve had a lot of loss in many different forms recently, so that is not an excuse, but it is the reason why I am where I’m at now,” he said.
Family Stood By Him
His sister Kaia addressed his struggles publicly just last month in a Vogue cover story, which described Presley’s “decade-long struggle with drug addiction.” She spoke about how his openness had changed the family’s famously private dynamic.
“When something like that happens in a family, it kind of levels everyone,” Kaia said. “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.'”
She added that she was “deeply proud” of him.
Tributes Pour In
As news of his death spread, tributes poured in from across entertainment and fashion. Brooklyn Beckham was among those who shared a “heartbroken” message for the family.
Crawford had marked her son’s 27th birthday in July with a warm post, writing that she would “always see you as my little boy” — words that now carry a heartbreaking new meaning.
Story Developing
Tributes are expected to pour in as the fashion and entertainment worlds absorb the loss. For now, the family has asked for privacy as they grieve.
CelebWatch extends its condolences to Cindy Crawford, Rande Gerber, Kaia Gerber, and all who loved Presley.
*This is a developing story. Updates will follow as more information becomes available.*
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