Presley Gerber, Son of Cindy Crawford, Dies at 27
Presley Gerber, the son of model Cindy Crawford and businessman Rande Gerber, died at the age of 27 on Sunday, September 20, at a Los Angeles rehabilitation facility, according to Los Angeles County Medical Examiner records cited by PEOPLE. Family representatives confirmed the passing, noting that an autopsy remains pending to determine the official cause of death.
Early Success and International Modeling Career
Born in Beverly Hills, California, in 1999, Presley Gerber built a prominent career in the fashion industry alongside his younger sister, model and actress Kaia Gerber. Signed by IMG Models at the age of 15, he quickly gained international recognition, debuting on the runway for Moschino in Los Angeles before walking for major luxury houses including Dolce & Gabbana, Burberry, Bottega Veneta, and Emporio Armani. His editorial portfolio included campaigns for Calvin Klein, Celine, Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger, Pepsi, and Omega, alongside features in publications such as GQ Style and The New York Times Style Magazine.
Early on, the demands of the runway brought distinct performance pressures. In a 2016 interview with W Magazine, Gerber described his primary internal mantra during high-profile fashion shows simply as avoiding a fall. “Please, don’t trip, just make it to the end,” he said. Later, working alongside his sister made the demanding industry environment less isolating. “It makes it a lot less lonely,” he told PEOPLE in 2018 regarding sharing the profession with Kaia.
Advocacy for Mental Health and Recovery Struggles
In recent years, Gerber spoke publicly about his ongoing challenges with mental health, depression, and substance use. He launched an initiative titled “Mental Health Mondays” and collaborated with non-profit organizations, including the Los Angeles homeless charity A Sense of Home, as detailed by DNA Model Management. Through podcasts and social media content, he sought to support others experiencing similar struggles.
“Having dealt with mental health issues, depression, and some other things that come along with that, I think whether I help one person or a hundred people get out of where I was at some point in my life, that’s all I need to do,” Gerber stated during an appearance on the Studio 22 podcast.
Reflecting on the daily realities of managing his condition, he added that mental health care demanded constant attention. “It is a 24/7 job, and there are so many things that come with it.” In a December social media post, he detailed his experiences with prescription medications, including antidepressants and treatment for panic attacks, while addressing personal setbacks. At that time, Cindy Crawford publicly expressed support for her son, writing, “Presley — we love you and you are not alone.” In July, Crawford celebrated his 27th birthday, sharing a tribute on social media expressing pride in the man he had become.
Family Statement and Next Steps
Following his passing at the Los Angeles treatment center, a representative for the family released a statement on behalf of Cindy Crawford, Rande Gerber, and Kaia Gerber. The family requested privacy during what they described as a deeply difficult and painful period. Medical examiners continue their examination to establish the precise cause of death.