Key Highlights
- George Clooney addressed the tragic passing of Presley Gerber, describing the loss as devastating for both their families.
- Presley Gerber, the 27-year-old son of Rande Gerber and Cindy Crawford, passed away on September 20 at a sober living facility in Santa Monica.
- Authorities are investigating the incident as a suspected overdose, with no indication of foul play reported.
George Clooney Speaks on the Devastating Loss of Presley Gerber
George Clooney has publicly addressed the tragic death of Presley Gerber, reflecting on the deep grief felt by his own circle and that of the Gerber family. The 65-year-old Oscar winner shares an enduring personal and professional bond with Presley’s father, Rande Gerber, and supermodel mother, Cindy Crawford. During an appearance at the Albies in London on Friday evening, Clooney expressed that the pain of the loss remains too immediate and profound to process publicly.
Speaking about how to commemorate the young model’s life, Clooney candidly shared his emotional state. “I don’t even think we’re in the position of being able to talk about it quite honestly,”
Clooney told Entertainment Tonight. “It’s one of the most devastating things that’s happened to our family.”
He continued: “And their family is just…as you can imagine.”
Reflecting further on the gravity of the tragedy, Clooney added, “It’s the worst thing that could ever happen to the family.”
A Lifelong Connection to the Gerber Household
The close relationship between George Clooney and Rande Gerber stretches back to the 1990s. Beyond their close personal friendship, the pair partnered in 2013 alongside Mike Meldman to launch the ultra-successful premium tequila label Casamigos. Because of this decades-long closeness, Clooney has known Presley and his younger sister, model and actress Kaia Gerber, for their entire lives.
Presley Gerber passed away on September 20 at the age of 27 while staying at a sober living facility located in Los Angeles County. Following the tragedy, a representative for the Gerber family confirmed his death to TMZ, releasing an initial statement that read: “The family is asking for privacy during this very difficult and painful time.”
Investigation Into Circumstances Surrounding Presley Gerber’s Death
Subsequent reports indicated that Presley died from a suspected overdose at the facility located in Santa Monica. Audio from a 911 dispatch call obtained and published by Page Six revealed emergency personnel using the terms “cardiac arrest” and “overdose.” The Santa Monica Police Department subsequently confirmed that an active investigation into a suspected overdose is underway, explicitly noting that there were no signs or indications of foul play.
An official cause of death has not yet been determined. According to the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner, conclusive autopsy and toxicology findings could take several months before an official ruling is finalized and released.
Presley Gerber’s Candid Advocacy Around Mental Health
Throughout his young adulthood, Presley Gerber spoke openly about his personal battles with emotional well-being and depression. In a 2023 appearance on the Studio 22 podcast, he shared his desire to leverage his personal journey to offer compassion and assistance to others facing similar struggles.
“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,”
he said. Presley underscored the ongoing reality of his battle, stating, “[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 concluded: “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.”
Why This Matters
The tragic loss of Presley Gerber highlights the ongoing and pervasive nature of mental health and substance abuse challenges, which transcend fame and social background. Because the Gerber family and George Clooney maintain high-profile platforms across Hollywood and international business, their shared sorrow brings renewed attention to the vulnerability of young adults navigating recovery. A definitive determination of the circumstances awaits final findings from the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s office.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was George Clooney’s connection to Presley Gerber?
George Clooney has been a close friend of Presley’s father, Rande Gerber, since the 1990s. The two co-founded the tequila brand Casamigos in 2013, leading Clooney to watch Presley and his sister Kaia grow up throughout their entire lives.
What is known about the cause of Presley Gerber’s death?
Presley Gerber died on September 20 at a Santa Monica sober living facility. While the Santa Monica Police Department confirmed they are investigating the situation as a suspected overdose with no indication of foul play, an official ruling from the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner may take months pending toxicology tests.
Did Presley Gerber speak about his health prior to his death?
Yes. In a 2023 interview on the Studio 22 podcast, Presley discussed his ongoing battles with depression and mental health, describing management of the condition as a 24/7 commitment and expressing a desire to help others without judgment.
