Presley Gerber, the 27-year-old son of supermodel Cindy Crawford and Rande Gerber, died on Sunday, September 20, at a Los Angeles rehabilitation facility, according to records from the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner cited by TMZ and USA TODAY. The family’s representative confirmed the death in a statement asking for privacy during a painful time, while an autopsy remains pending and an official cause of death has not yet been publicly released.
Public Mental Health Battles and Recent Treatment
Before his death, Presley Gerber had been transparent about his personal struggles with substance abuse and mental health. In a March Instagram video, he shared footage of himself preparing to undergo an ibogaine flood dose at a facility, describing the moment as terrifying. Ibogaine is a naturally occurring psychoactive substance derived from the Central West African shrub Tabernanthe iboga, according to Stanford Medicine. The substance is classified as a Schedule I controlled substance in the United States and is illegal to prescribe domestically, though it is legally restricted and controlled in other regions like Australia. Neurologist Deborah Mash explained to the Washington Post in March 2024 that the extract promotes the growth of neural networks in damaged brains.
During his March treatment journey, Presley wrote on social media that he faced what he had been running from and began finding his way back to himself. Family members publicly rallied around him following the post. His mother Cindy Crawford wrote, “You are a warrior! Walked thru the fire to find yourself! So proud!” His sister Kaia Gerber commented, “That’s my brother I am so damn proud,” while his father Rande Gerber added, “I’m so proud of you and your courage.” Months prior in July, Crawford had posted a birthday tribute celebrating Presley turning 27, noting she was proud of the man he had become.
Family Background and High-Profile Modeling Careers
Born in Beverly Hills in 1999, Presley Gerber followed his mother into the fashion industry as a teenager. According to USA TODAY, he signed with IMG Models at age 15, made his runway debut for Moschino in Los Angeles at 17, and subsequently walked for Dolce & Gabbana while appearing in international campaigns for Calvin Klein and Celine. His younger sister, Kaia Gerber, also carved out a prominent career as a model and actress. In a recent interview with Vogue, Kaia discussed the emotional toll of family addiction, noting how it levels everyone and shaped her own reluctance to ask for help.
Throughout his public life, Presley navigated intense scrutiny, including media attention surrounding a 2018 DUI arrest in Beverly Hills and a brief period in 2020 when he wore a face tattoo reading “MISUNDERSTOOD,” which he later removed. In a February 2023 appearance on the Studio 22 podcast reported by USA TODAY, he described mental health as a 24/7 job and expressed a desire to help others facing similar challenges without judgment. His digital advocacy later included a video series titled “Mental Health Mondays” and candid disclosures regarding the complexities of managing panic attacks with prescription medications.
Did You Know?
Ibogaine, the psychoactive compound Presley Gerber discussed receiving in March, is extracted from an African shrub and has been studied by institutions like Stanford University for its potential effects on treatment-resistant depression, anxiety, and opioid withdrawal symptoms.
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused Presley Gerber’s death?
According to the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner and TMZ reports, Presley Gerber died on September 20 at a rehab facility, but an autopsy is still pending and an official cause of death has not been released.
What statements did the family release?
A representative for the Crawford-Gerber family released a statement asking for public privacy during a difficult and painful time. Parents Cindy Crawford and Rande Gerber, along with sister Kaia Gerber, had previously expressed vocal public support for his recovery efforts.
What is ibogaine treatment?
Ibogaine is a naturally occurring psychoactive substance derived from the African shrub Tabernanthe iboga. While strictly prohibited in the United States since 1967, it is utilized in specific international clinics for addiction withdrawal and brain pathway resetting, though researchers and medical professionals note it carries significant regulatory controls.
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health or substance abuse, support is available. In Australia, contact Lifeline at 13 11 14, the National Alcohol and Other Drug hotline at 1800 250 015, or dial Triple Zero (000) in an emergency.
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