Rehab owner's drug arrests and licensing hurdles scrutinized after Presley Gerber death

Key points

• Presley Gerber, 27, was found dead at Resolutions Living in Santa Monica on Sept. 20, with 911 calls citing overdose and cardiac arrest.
• Dr. Reza Nabavi, the facility's founder, was arrested twice in 2002 for possession and sale of methamphetamine and marijuana.
• The California Board of Psychology denied Nabavi's initial license applications in 2004 and 2005 due to his criminal record.
• Nabavi eventually registered as a psychologist in 2006 under strict probationary conditions, including drug testing and monitoring.
• Page Six reports that Resolutions Living is not a licensed residential treatment facility but operates as a sober living residence.
• The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner has deferred the case pending additional toxicology testing to determine the cause of death.

Background

Presley Gerber, the son of supermodel Cindy Crawford and businessman Rande Gerber, died at age 27. His death has drawn attention to the safety and regulatory status of the facility where he was admitted. Previous reports noted his long-standing struggles with substance abuse and mental health. The family has requested privacy during this time, and Gerber was cremated shortly after his death.

How outlets are covering it

USA TODAY and Page Six both highlight Nabavi's 2002 arrests and the subsequent denial of his psychology license, emphasizing the contrast between his public bio and official records. Page Six adds that the facility is not licensed by the Department of Health Care Services, suggesting it operates as a sober living home rather than a clinical treatment center. Fox News focuses on the emotional support from George Clooney, a close friend of the family, rather than the regulatory or criminal aspects of the facility owner. While USA TODAY and Page Six detail the specific charges and probation terms, Fox News provides context on the family's social circle and business partnerships.

Why it matters

The scrutiny of Nabavi's background and the facility's licensing status raises questions about the oversight of sober living environments for high-profile individuals. The pending toxicology results may determine if the death was accidental or if other factors were involved, potentially impacting public trust in addiction recovery programs.

What to watch

The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner is expected to release the final cause and manner of death after completing additional toxicology tests. Regulators may review the licensing status of Resolutions Living, and the family may seek further information regarding the care provided to Gerber.