Crawford and Gerber Break Silence on Presley’s Death with Emotional Tributes

Key points

• Cindy Crawford and Rande Gerber posted a joint statement on Instagram on October 18, calling themselves 'beyond heartbroken' over the loss of their son Presley Gerber.
• Presley Gerber, 27, died on September 20 at a rehabilitation facility in Santa Monica, California. Authorities are investigating the death as a suspected overdose.
• Kaia Gerber, Presley’s younger sister, shared a four-page letter and childhood videos on Instagram, expressing her grief and describing her brother as her 'ultimate teacher'.
• Presley had been a model, debuting at age 16, and had frequently spoken publicly about his battles with depression and substance abuse.
• The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s office lists the cause of death as pending additional investigation, while Santa Monica police stated there is no indication of foul play.

Background

Presley Gerber, the eldest child of supermodel Cindy Crawford and businessman Rande Gerber, had been open about his mental health struggles and addiction in recent years. In June 2026, he participated in a panel discussion on mental health, which was his final public appearance. His death on September 20 at a Santa Monica rehabilitation facility prompted scrutiny of the facility's regulatory status. George Clooney, a longtime friend and business partner of Rande Gerber, publicly addressed the loss in October, calling it 'devastating' and offering support to the family.

How outlets are covering it

All four sources (TODAY, BBC, CBS News, The Guardian) report the family's joint statement and Kaia Gerber's tribute. TODAY and CBS News emphasize the family's gratitude for public support. BBC and The Guardian highlight Presley's modeling career and his public advocacy for mental health. The sources agree on the facts of his death and the family's emotional response, with no significant disagreements noted.

Why it matters

The public tributes from a high-profile family bring attention to the ongoing crisis of addiction and mental health, particularly among young people. Presley's open advocacy for mental health before his death underscores the importance of continued public dialogue and support for those struggling with similar issues.

What to watch

The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner's office is expected to release the final cause of death after completing additional investigations. The family has requested privacy, and no further public statements are anticipated at this time.