New questions are emerging following the sudden death of Presley Gerber, the only son of supermodel Cindy Crawford and businessman Rande Gerber.
The 27-year-old model died on September 20 while staying at a rehabilitation facility in the Los Angeles area, according to the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner. Police sources told ABC News that his death is being investigated as a suspected overdose, although the official cause remains undetermined pending further testing.
The especially troubling detail is where Gerber died. Reports indicate that he was living with several other residents in a separate house located on the facility's grounds. Sources also claimed that he had checked into the treatment center only one day before staff found him unresponsive.
Responding paramedics pronounced Gerber dead at 9:45 a.m. The Santa Monica Police Department is investigating, but authorities have reportedly found no evidence of foul play. An autopsy has been completed, although toxicology and other tests could take several months.
Gerber had spoken candidly about his struggles with depression, anxiety, addiction and substance use. In 2024, he launched a social media series called "Mental Health Mondays," hoping that his experiences might help others feel less alone. He had also publicly documented parts of his recovery journey.
The painful circumstances now raise an unavoidable question: how could a young man reportedly seeking treatment die from a suspected overdose inside a setting intended to protect people during their most vulnerable moments? Authorities have not alleged negligence by the facility, and many crucial details-including what substances may have been involved and how Gerber obtained them-remain unknown.
Presley began modeling as a teenager and appeared in campaigns and runway shows for major fashion houses, including Calvin Klein, Moschino and Dolce & Gabbana. He was also the older brother of model and actress Kaia Gerber.
A representative for Crawford, Rande and Kaia confirmed the devastating loss while asking the public to respect the family's privacy "during this very difficult and painful time."
For now, the Gerber family is grieving while investigators work to determine exactly what happened during Presley's final hours. Until the medical examiner releases a definitive cause of death, reports of an overdose remain preliminary rather than an established conclusion.
