Presley Gerber’s Body Found Near Bed in Santa Monica Rehab Facility

Key points

• Body discovered near, but not on, the bed in a bedroom at Resolutions Living in Santa Monica.
• Emergency responders were dispatched for both cardiac arrest and suspected overdose at 9:35 a.m. on Sept. 20.
• Gerber was under the influence of a substance when he checked into the facility the same weekend he died.
• A 24/7 sober coach was reportedly present in his life in the months leading up to his death, but their presence at the time of death is unclear.
• Fentanyl has not yet been cited in the investigation, and final toxicology results are pending.

Background

Presley Gerber had publicly discussed his struggles with substance abuse and mental health for years, including a 2018 DUI that resulted in three years of probation. He had taken a hiatus from social media in November 2025 to focus on his mental health. His death occurred at a high-end facility, raising questions about the efficacy of luxury rehab programs for severe addiction.

How outlets are covering it

Page Six and TMZ report that Gerber’s body was found near the bed in a bedroom at the Santa Monica facility, with sources noting he was under the influence upon arrival. USA Today highlights the medical connection between overdose and cardiac arrest, noting that opioids can suppress breathing leading to cardiac arrest. Fox News, citing Dr. Drew Pinsky, criticizes the use of unproven therapies like ibogaine, suggesting that allowing patients to dictate their own care can lead to relapse and death. While Page Six notes fentanyl is not yet in the investigation, Fox News emphasizes the progressive nature of opioid addiction.

Why it matters

The case highlights the risks associated with luxury rehab facilities and the potential dangers of unproven alternative therapies in addiction treatment. It also underscores the ongoing crisis of opioid-related cardiac arrests among young adults.

What to watch

The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office is pending final toxicology results to determine the official cause and manner of death. The family has requested privacy, and no further public statements have been made regarding the specific substance involved.