Presley Gerber, the 27-year-old model and eldest child of supermodel Cindy Crawford and businessman Rande Gerber, died on Sunday in Santa Monica, California, in an incident being investigated by police as a suspected overdose, according to law enforcement sources and the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner.
Timeline and Investigation Details
According to a law enforcement source speaking to NBC News, Gerber checked into Resolutions Living of Santa Monica at 10 p.m. on Saturday. Authorities responded to a call regarding a possible overdose at approximately 9:35 a.m. on Sunday, according to the Santa Monica Police Department. Officers found an unresponsive male who was pronounced dead at 9:45 a.m., according to statements from the medical examiner’s office cited by ABC News.
Law enforcement officials stated there was no indication of foul play at the scene. The Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner announced that a deputy medical examiner performed an examination on Monday but deferred the cause and manner of death pending additional testing and studies. Officials noted that deferred cases can take several months to conclude, and investigators are working to trace the source of the substances involved.
Career and Public Advocacy
Gerber worked extensively in the fashion industry after being signed by IMG Models at age 15, appearing in campaigns for major brands including Calvin Klein, Dolce & Gabbana, Moschino, and Celine alongside his younger sister, model and actress Kaia Gerber. In 2018, at age 18, he appeared alongside his mother in a commercial recreating her 1992 Pepsi advertisement.
In recent years, Gerber spoke publicly about his personal struggles with depression and substance abuse. He launched a video series titled “Mental Health Mondays” on his Instagram account to foster open conversations about mental health challenges. In November, he posted online that he needed to step back to focus on his well-being, and his family frequently supported his efforts to destigmatize addiction and treatment.
Tributes from the Fashion and Entertainment Community
Following the news of his death, representatives for Cindy Crawford and Rande Gerber released a brief statement asking for privacy during a difficult and painful time. Friends and colleagues shared tributes across social media platforms, remembering Gerber for his kindness and openness.
Paris Hilton wrote on social media that she was completely heartbroken, describing Gerber as having a “beautiful soul” who was “so sweet, sensitive, kind and genuine.” Brooklyn Peltz Beckham posted that he was devastated by the news, calling Gerber the kindest person. Television personality Jason Kennedy also shared a tribute online, noting that Gerber’s openness about his own mental health battles helped others facing similar struggles.
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