On Sunday, police in Santa Monica confirmed that Presley Gerber 27, was found unresponsive at a local rehabilitation center. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s office has not yet released a final cause of death, but investigators are treating the incident as a suspected overdose. No signs of foul play have been reported, and the case remains open pending further toxicology results.
The young man entered the facility, identified as Resolutions Living, at approximately 10 p.m. on Saturday. When officers arrived at the scene around 9:35 a.m. the following morning, they discovered Gerber’s body in the room where he had been staying, apparently already deceased for a period of time. The department emphasized that the investigation is ongoing and that additional testing is required to determine the exact manner of death.
Timeline of the investigation and official response
Santa Monica police responded to a call reporting a possible overdose early on Sunday morning. Upon arrival, detectives found the 27-year-old male in a state described as “cold to the touch.” The department’s statement highlighted that there is “no indication of foul play,” focusing the inquiry on potential substance involvement. The Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner has opened a full autopsy and will release findings once toxicology analysis concludes.
Family representatives have requested privacy, urging the public and media to respect the grieving process. A brief statement released on behalf of the Gerber family reiterated this wish, describing the situation as “very difficult and painful.” The request for privacy aligns with previous statements made by the family during moments of personal challenge.
Presley Gerber’s career and public battles with mental health
Born into a high-profile household, Presley Gerber followed his mother, supermodel Cindy Crawford and sister, model-actress Kaia Gerber into the fashion industry. Signed by IMG Models at fifteen, he debuted on the Moschino runway at sixteen and later walked for Burberry, Dolce & Gabbana, and Bottega Veneta. In 2018, he appeared alongside his mother in a Pepsi Super Bowl commercial, echoing her iconic 1992 ad, and shared a Calvin Klein campaign with his sister the same year.
Beyond the catwalk, Gerber was vocal about his personal struggles. He launched an Instagram series called “Mental Health Mondays” where he candidly discussed depression, addiction, and the importance of open dialogue. In a 2023 podcast interview, he explained that helping even a single person escape the darkness that once consumed him was a purpose he cherished. His sister Kaia later reflected on his transparency, noting that the family’s traditionally private nature made his advocacy both shocking and valuable.
Legal issues also punctuated his adult life. In 2019 he faced a DUI charge, resulting in three years of probation and a mandated education program. A brief foray into facial tattooing in 2020—inscribing the word “MISUNDERSTOOD” across his cheek—illustrated his ongoing search for identity, although later reports suggested the tattoo was removed.
Family reaction and tributes from friends
Following the news, numerous friends and industry colleagues expressed shock and sorrow. Paris Hilton described Gerber’s soul as “beautiful” and “so sweet, sensitive, kind and genuine,” lamenting the loss on social media. Jason Kennedy posted a video recalling Gerber’s willingness to discuss his mental health journey, noting that his openness “helped others.” Brooklyn Peltz Beckham, another close friend, echoed the grief, calling Presley “the kindest.”
Kaia Gerber, who recently starred in Ryan Murphy’s series “The Shards,” shared a heartfelt Instagram note, highlighting how her brother’s vulnerability taught the family that hiding pain only deepens stigma. She emphasized that their parents, notably private throughout their lives, learned from Presley’s example to be more transparent about emotional struggles.
Cindy Crawford, who frequently celebrated her son’s milestones on social media—most recently posting childhood photos for his 27th birthday—now faces the painful task of navigating loss in the public eye. In her post, she wrote, “I’m so proud of the man you’ve become, but I’ll always see you as my little boy,” underscoring the enduring mother-son bond despite his adult achievements.
The case serves as a stark reminder of the hidden battles that can accompany fame, and it fuels ongoing conversations about mental-health resources, especially for young adults in high-pressure environments. Authorities continue to investigate, while the Gerber family seeks solace and privacy during this unprecedented grief.
