Presley Gerber's death investigated as suspected overdose

The death of Presley Gerber, the 27-year-old son of supermodel Cindy Crawford and entrepreneur Rande Gerber, has been confirmed as a suspected overdose, with authorities continuing to investigate the circumstances of his passing at a rehabilitation facility in Los Angeles. Gerber died on September 20, according to a statement from the Santa Monica Police Department, which confirmed the case is being treated as a suspected overdose with no indication of foul play. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office has conducted an autopsy but has not yet released a cause of death, citing the need for further testing.

New details from the incident reveal that Gerber was staying in a separate house on the grounds of the rehab facility, a fact not previously disclosed. A 911 call obtained by PEOPLE indicated that first responders were dispatched to the 1000 block of Berkeley Street in Los Angeles for a cardiac arrest, later identified as a potential overdose. Gerber’s family, through a representative, reiterated its request for privacy, stating, “The family is asking for privacy during this very difficult and painful time.”

Gerber, who had long spoken openly about his struggles with mental health and addiction, had recently undergone an experimental treatment involving ibogaine, a substance not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. In a March 2026 Instagram post, he shared a video of himself preparing for an “ibogaine flood dose” in Cancun, Mexico, describing the experience as “a quiet moment before everything changed.” He expressed hope that the treatment would mark the end of his need for rehab, though he acknowledged the fear of facing similar challenges again. The use of ibogaine, which remains unregulated in the U.S., has drawn attention amid ongoing debates about the risks and efficacy of alternative therapies for addiction.

Gerber’s sister, Kaia Gerber, opened up about her brother’s health struggles in a recent interview with American Vogue, reflecting on the emotional toll of his journey. “When something like that happens in a family, it kind of levels everyone,” she said. “I think that’s also why I started to self-identify as the easy one and never wanted to ask for help. Because it felt like too much to have two children who were needing.” She praised Presley for his openness about his struggles, calling him a “teacher” who “said, ‘I’m gonna be very human for everyone.’”

Gerber’s public advocacy for mental health awareness and addiction recovery has resonated widely, particularly after his 2023 podcast appearance on Studio 22, where he emphasized the 24/7 nature of mental health care. “It’s a 24/7 job, and there’s so much to it,” he said. “That’s really what I want to do: help people.” His candidness about his use of medications like buprenorphine and Xanax, as well as his 2019 DUI arrest, underscored the complexities of navigating addiction and recovery. In a December 2025 Instagram post, he criticized the lack of structured guidance in his treatment, stating, “Every psychiatrist I’ve had, and I’ve had 15, are just like, ‘Here’s 20 medications and take this if you feel like this.’ And I’m like, ‘No, don’t give me that much leeway. I need some direction.’”

The investigation into Gerber’s death has reignited discussions about the risks associated with rehabilitation settings. Experts have highlighted the dangers of withdrawal complications, undiagnosed medical conditions, and the heightened risk of overdose following relapse. Nicholas Kardaris, Ph.D., CEO of the New York Center for Living, noted that “people are in rehab because they’re struggling with addiction. It doesn’t mean they’re cured of their addiction.” He also pointed to the prevalence of fentanyl-laced drugs, citing DEA data showing over 47 million counterfeit pills and nearly 10,000 pounds of fentanyl seized in 2025.

Gerber’s death has prompted tributes from figures in the fashion and entertainment industries, including Paris Hilton and Brooklyn Peltz Beckham. His legacy, marked by both professional achievements and unflinching advocacy, continues to shape conversations about mental health and addiction. The Santa Monica Police Department and the medical examiner’s office remain focused on their respective investigations, with no official cause of death yet announced. For now, the Gerber family’s request for privacy remains in effect as the broader community grapples with the implications of his passing.