Presley Gerber, the 27‑year‑old son of iconic supermodel Cindy Crawford and businessman Rande Gerber, died on Sunday at a rehabilitation center in Los Angeles, according to records filed by the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner. The official cause of death has not been disclosed.
Background and career
Gerber followed his mother’s footsteps into the fashion world, making his runway debut for Moschino at just 16. Over the next decade he walked for high‑profile houses such as Burberry, Dolce & Gabbana, and Bottega Veneta, and appeared in a 2018 Pepsi Super Bowl commercial alongside his mother. He also collaborated with his sister Kaia on a Calvin Klein campaign, and famously tattooed her name on his arm as a testament to their close bond.
Public discussion of mental health
In recent years Gerber was open about his struggles with depression, addiction, and broader mental‑health challenges. In a 2023 interview on the Studio 22 podcast he said, "Having struggled with mental health, depression and some other things that come along with that, I think that whether I help one person or a hundred people get out of that place that I was in at one point in my life, that's all I need to do." His sister Kaia later reflected on his battle with addiction in an American Vogue interview, noting how the family’s traditionally private nature made his openness a significant shift.
Family response
Allie Jenkins, a spokesperson for Crawford and Rande Gerber, told the BBC’s U.S. news partner CBS that the family is requesting privacy during this "very difficult and painful time." The statement underscores the desire to grieve away from the relentless scrutiny that often accompanies celebrity families.
Context and uncertainty
Verified facts:
- Presley Gerber died at age 27 in a Los Angeles rehab facility.
- The cause of death has not been publicly released.
- He was a model who worked for Moschino, Burberry, Dolce & Gabbana, and Bottega Veneta.
- He publicly discussed his mental‑health challenges and addiction.
- Cindy Crawford and Rande Gerber have asked for privacy.
Uncertainties remain regarding the precise circumstances of his death, as the medical examiner’s report does not specify a cause. Additionally, while Gerber’s past statements provide insight into his mental‑health journey, the exact timeline of his recent health status is not detailed in the available source.
Why this matters
The loss of Presley Gerber highlights the ongoing conversation about mental‑health stigma, especially within high‑profile families. His willingness to speak openly about depression and addiction offered a rare glimpse into the pressures that can accompany fame, and his death may prompt renewed dialogue about support systems for those struggling in similar circumstances.
Support resources
For readers experiencing distress, the BBC Action Line provides confidential help and support throughout the United Kingdom.
