Cindy Crawford and Rande Gerber Speak Out After Son Presley’s Death

Cindy Crawford and Rande Gerber have publicly addressed the death of their 27-year-old son, Presley Gerber, who passed away following a suspected overdose at a rehabilitation facility on Sept. 20.

Cindy Crawford and Rande Gerber Share Grief in Family Statement

The family released a joint statement on Instagram on Sunday, Oct. 18, accompanied by a black-and-white photograph of Presley featuring angel wings. “We are beyond heartbroken to lose our beloved son and brother,” the tribute read, as reported by USA Today. The family stated they felt blessed to have had him in their lives for 27 years, describing him as a sweet and beautiful soul who showed vulnerability and kindness. Crawford also expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support from friends, family, and strangers alike. Presley Walker Gerber was born on July 2, 1999, as the oldest child and only son of Crawford and Gerber, who married in 1998, according to Just Jared and Page Six. His former supermodel mother is 60 and his businessman father is 64, while his younger sister, Kaia Gerber, is an actress and model. Following the tragedy, a representative for Crawford stated that the family requested privacy during a very difficult and painful time.

Presley was born in July 1999 as the first child of Crawford and Gerber, who married in 1998, according to Just Jared. He signed with IMG Models at age 15, as noted by USA Today. His younger sister, Kaia Gerber, is an actress and model. Gerber previously pleaded no contest to a 2018 DUI and received a sentence of three years’ probation. Prior to his passing, he also posted videos on Instagram within a series titled “mental health Mondays” to share candid thoughts and encourage followers regarding mental health, and participated in a panel discussion about mental health in his final public appearance.

Kaia Gerber Remembers Her Brother and Protector

Kaia Gerber posted an emotional tribute to her late brother on Instagram on Oct. 18, sharing childhood memories and video footage, according to TMZ. She wrote that being Presley’s sister was her favorite thing about herself and recalled him standing by her when she was too afraid to get her ears pierced as a child. “You always went first,” she wrote, according to TMZ. Presley’s loved ones intend to always honor his legacy, remaining determined to carry on his mission of improving resources and bringing awareness to mental health.

Just one month prior to his passing, Kaia spoke to Vogue about her brother’s openness regarding his mental health and addiction, crediting him with teaching their family how to be human, as reported by Page Six. She noted that her parents had been very, very private and did not share anything for most of their lives before Presley stepped forward. She added that his issues caused her to start self-identifying as the easy one who never wanted to ask for help. During a 2023 appearance on the “Studio 22” podcast, Presley himself discussed his long-standing battles with mental health and depression, mentioning that therapy required daily work and that he spent a lot of time in therapy looking into himself as part of a 24/7 job. He also shared updates on social media in 2024 regarding opioid addiction treatment and his efforts to recover, taking to Instagram Stories to discuss dealing with a very high opioid addiction and writing in March that he had started finding his way back to himself while hoping it would be his last time returning to treatment and that he could choose next time.

Investigation and Cause of Death Remain Pending

Presley died at a Santa Monica rehab facility on Sept. 20, just hours after checking in, according to TMZ. While an autopsy has been completed, his official cause of death has been listed as “deferred” pending further investigation, Just Jared reported. Police have investigated the incident as a suspected overdose with no foul play suspected.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Investigation

What caused Presley Gerber’s death?

An official cause of death remains deferred pending further investigation, though authorities investigated the Sept. 20 incident at a Santa Monica facility as a suspected overdose, according to Just Jared and TMZ.

When did Cindy Crawford and Rande Gerber release their statement?

The family shared their public tribute on Instagram on Sunday, Oct. 18, nearly one month after Presley passed away at age 27, as reported by USA Today and E! News.

Where did the incident occur?

Presley passed away inside a rehabilitation facility located in Santa Monica on Sept. 20, according to E! News and Just Jared.

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