Key Highlights
- Presley Gerber, son of supermodel Cindy Crawford and businessman Rande Gerber, died at age 27 at a rehabilitation facility on Sunday, 20 September, per the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner.
- The family confirmed the death through representative Allie Jenkins, requesting privacy during “this very difficult and painful time”; no cause of death has been disclosed.
- Gerber was a working model and vocal mental health advocate who had publicly documented his recovery from substance abuse and depression, most recently sharing his progress in December 2024.
Model and Mental Health Advocate Presley Gerber Dies at 27
Presley Gerber, the eldest child of supermodel Cindy Crawford and entrepreneur Rande Gerber, passed away on Sunday, 20 September, at a rehabilitation facility in Los Angeles. He was 27 years old. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner confirmed the death, and a statement released by family representative Allie Jenkins to the BBC conveyed the family’s request for privacy. “The family is asking for privacy during this very difficult and painful time,” Jenkins said. Authorities have not released a cause of death.
Runway Career and High-Profile Campaigns
Gerber made his runway debut as a teenager and quickly established a modeling portfolio that included campaigns for major fashion houses such as Burberry, Bottega Veneta, Moschino, Celine, Calvin Klein, Dolce & Gabbana, and Pepsi. He appeared on the cover of Vogue, following in the footsteps of his younger sister, Kaia Gerber, who has built her own career as a model and actress known for roles in American Horror Story, Saturday Night, and The Shards. The siblings frequently appeared together at industry events, reflecting a family legacy rooted in fashion; their mother remains one of the most recognizable supermodels in history, while their father co-founded the spirits brand Casamigos alongside actor George Clooney.
Public Advocacy for Mental Health and Sobriety
In recent years, Gerber used his platform to speak candidly about his struggles with substance abuse and mental health. During a 2023 appearance on the Studio 22 podcast, he articulated a mission to help others facing similar battles: “Having struggled with mental health, depression and some other things that come along with that, I think that whether I help one person or a hundred people get out of that place that I was in at one point in my life, that’s all I need to do.”
In a poignant Instagram post shared in December 2024, Gerber detailed how exercise and abstaining from alcohol had aided his recovery. He expressed a desire to surround himself with positive influences, stating, “As I’ve grown up in Hollywood, there’s a lot of people around me that I love to death, but right now I try not to be around them.” He further explained his dual motivation for sharing his journey: “A. So you feel like you’re not alone, because that is how I feel most of the time and I have a feeling that if I say all of this, a lot of people will at least know that there’s someone else going through it,” he said. “And the second thing is, hopefully I find some people out here and are willing to help or know someone that can help.”
Family Tributes Highlight Resilience and Pride
Gerber’s family publicly celebrated his progress in the months leading up to his death. In March 2025, Cindy Crawford commented on one of his Instagram posts, dubbing him a “warrior”: “You are a warrior! Walked thru the fire to find yourself! So proud!” Kaia Gerber added, “That’s my brother. I am so damn proud.” Rande Gerber echoed the sentiment, writing, “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.”
Why This Matters
Presley Gerber’s death underscores the ongoing vulnerability of individuals navigating recovery from substance use disorders, even when supported by strong family networks and professional treatment. His public advocacy brought visibility to the intersection of mental health and addiction, particularly within the high-pressure environment of the entertainment and fashion industries. The Gerber family’s openness about his journey—and their expressions of pride in his resilience—may encourage others to seek help and reduce stigma. As the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner continues its investigation, the broader conversation about accessible, long-term support for young adults in recovery remains critically relevant.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What was Presley Gerber’s cause of death?
- The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner has not disclosed a cause of death. The family has requested privacy.
- How did Presley Gerber advocate for mental health?
- Gerber spoke publicly about his struggles with depression and substance abuse, notably on the Studio 22 podcast in 2023 and via Instagram in December 2024, where he shared his recovery progress and encouraged others to seek support.
- Who are Presley Gerber’s parents and sister?
- His parents are supermodel Cindy Crawford and businessman Rande Gerber, co-founder of Casamigos. His sister is model and actress Kaia Gerber.
