Gerber’s Final Hours: Video and Investigation Reveal Gaps in Santa Monica Sober Living Oversight

Key points

• Presley Gerber was found dead at Resolutions Living in Santa Monica on September 20, 2026, after checking in the previous evening.
• Page Six obtained video showing Gerber in a shared bedroom at the facility hours before his death, describing him as appearing 'off' in the days leading up to the incident.
• The Los Angeles Times reports that Resolutions Living operates as a recovery residence, exempt from state regulatory oversight, while its owners run a separate licensed treatment center.
• Santa Monica police are investigating the source of the drugs, and the California Department of Health Services is reviewing whether the facility provided services requiring a license.
• The facility is owned by psychologist Reza Nabavi, who has a history of drug-related arrests and previously worked at a Malibu rehab center cited for regulatory violations.

Background

Presley Gerber, son of Cindy Crawford and Rande Gerber, died at age 27 on September 20, 2026. His death has prompted scrutiny of California’s unregulated sober living industry, where multiple legislative attempts to establish standards have failed. The family has requested privacy, and George Clooney has visited the family home in support.

How outlets are covering it

Page Six emphasizes the emotional impact of the death, highlighting video footage of Gerber’s final moments and the grief of his sister Kaia and mother Cindy. The Los Angeles Times focuses on the regulatory gaps, noting that Resolutions Living is not subject to state oversight and that its owner, Reza Nabavi, has a criminal history involving drugs. The outlets differ in focus: Page Six centers on the personal tragedy, while the Los Angeles Times examines the systemic issues in the sober living industry.

Why it matters

The death of Presley Gerber has intensified calls for stricter regulation of sober living homes in California, where no state agency currently monitors these facilities. The incident raises questions about safety standards and accountability in unlicensed recovery residences, potentially influencing future legislative efforts to establish oversight.

What to watch

The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner is awaiting toxicology results to determine the cause of death. Santa Monica police are investigating the source of the drugs, and the California Department of Health Services is reviewing whether Resolutions Living provided services requiring a license. Legislative efforts to regulate sober living homes may gain momentum in response to the incident.