Presley Gerber, the 27-year-old son of Cindy Crawford and Rande Gerber, died from a suspected drug overdose on Sunday after checking into a Southern California sober living facility that lacks state licensing as a formal medical treatment center, according to reports from TMZ. Gerber was pronounced dead at 9:45 a.m., roughly 12 hours after arriving at Resolutions Living in Santa Monica on Saturday night.
Sober Living Environment Versus Licensed Residential Treatment
Resolutions Living, founded by Reza Nabavi, operates solely as a sober living environment rather than a licensed substance-use disorder residential treatment facility, according to records from the California Department of Health Care Services cited by TMZ and NBC News. State regulations do not require a formal health agency license or oversight for residences operating strictly as sober living homes, meaning the facility lacks the staff of doctors, nurses, and licensed therapists found in traditional clinical rehab centers.
The Santa Monica property advertises daily chef-prepared meals, fully stocked pantries, and 24/7 on-site support staff. Friends of Gerber expressed concern over his placement in an un-licensed residence given his extensive history of substance use, particularly noting reports that he had been taking ketamine prescribed by an unidentified doctor prior to his arrival.
According to NBC News, facility founder Reza Nabavi had his registered psychologist license temporarily revoked in 2006, after which he received five years of probation and an order to abstain from alcohol and controlled substances before launching the operation.
A Decade-Long Struggle With Addiction
Gerber, who began a modeling career at age 15 following in his mother’s footsteps, made multiple concerted efforts to manage his addiction over a decade-long struggle. TMZ reported that he previously hired a 24/7 sober coach to travel with him, though it remains unclear whether the coach was present when he died.
In March, Gerber publicly documented traveling to Mexico to undergo an experimental treatment involving Ibogaine, a psychedelic drug that is illegal in the United States. He wrote on Instagram at the time, “Praying it’s the last time I have to come back. Next time I’d like to choose.” A source told Page Six that Gerber wanted desperately to be free of his addictions.
Following his death, ex-girlfriend Lexi Wood remembered him on social media, writing that he “fought so hard to live” and was “incredibly resilient,” as reported by WWD via Getty Images. Gerber is survived by his parents, Cindy Crawford and Rande Gerber, and his sister, Kaia Gerber.
Investigation and Next Steps
No criminal charges have been filed in connection with Gerber’s death. Authorities are awaiting the results of a toxicology report to officially determine the cause of death. Resolutions Living did not immediately respond to requests for comment regarding the incident.
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