Cindy Crawford and Family Mourn Son Presley Gerber's Death, Suspected Overdose Under Investigation

Cindy Crawford, Rande Gerber, and their daughter Kaia Gerber have publicly grieved the death of their son and brother, Presley Gerber, who died September 20 at age 27 while at a Santa Monica rehab facility. The family described Presley as a “sweet, beautiful soul” and expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support. While the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner has deferred the cause of death, Santa Monica police have indicated it was a suspected overdose. Presley Gerber had been open about his struggles with addiction and mental health. He entered the Resolutions Living facility the day before his death after reportedly experiencing a relapse, and a sober coach had sought temporary placement for him at the facility. Footage obtained by TMZ showed Presley giving a tour of the facility the night before his death, appearing to be under the influence. His remains have been cremated, and his ashes will be kept by his parents.

According to insiders, Presley reportedly used drugs while at Resolutions Living, despite being in a facility intended for temporary sobriety. The facility reportedly agreed to admit him despite being informed he was under the influence, with plans for a full rehab admission the following Monday. A toxicology report is pending to confirm any substances involved in his death.

Kaia Gerber shared a deeply personal tribute on social media, expressing her enduring love for her brother and recounting cherished childhood memories. The family’s joint statement was shared on their respective Instagram accounts.

Where they differ

• The Daily Mail detailed the specifics of Presley’s final hours, including the TMZ footage and the timeline of events leading to his admission to Resolutions Living, while CBS News focused primarily on the family’s statement.
• The Daily Mail reported that Presley’s remains were cremated and his ashes will be kept by his parents, a detail not included in the CBS News report.
• The Daily Mail included a photograph of the family from 2024, while CBS News did not include any images.

What is not yet known

• The official cause of death remains deferred pending the release of the toxicology report.
• The extent to which Resolutions Living was aware of Presley’s drug use and the protocols in place to address it remain unclear.

Background

• Presley Gerber publicly discussed his struggles with addiction and mental health, including a 2019 DUI arrest and attempts at ibogaine therapy [Fact Refinery, 2026-09-21].
• His sister, Kaia Gerber, spoke to *Vogue* about his decade-long battle with addiction and the family’s shift towards openness regarding personal struggles [Fact Refinery, 2026-09-21].
• The Resolutions Living facility is intended for temporary sobriety, though reports indicate Presley Gerber reportedly used drugs while there [background knowledge].
• The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner has deferred the official cause of death pending a toxicology report [Fact Refinery, 2026-09-21].

Our reading

Our reading is that this tragedy is compounded by the circumstances surrounding Presley Gerber’s final hours. The reports suggest a facility admitting a patient actively under the influence, despite plans for later full admission, raises serious questions about protocols and care. The available information paints a picture of a young man struggling with addiction, seeking help, yet seemingly unable to find adequate support in his final days.

What to watch

• The toxicology report, expected to determine any substances involved in Presley Gerber’s death, will be released by the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner [Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office website].
• Any statements or investigations into the protocols and practices of Resolutions Living regarding admitting patients under the influence, and the level of care provided [Resolutions Living website/California Department of Public Health].
• Further reporting on whether the Santa Monica Police Department’s investigation reveals any negligence on the part of the facility or individuals involved [Santa Monica Police Department website].

Was this useful? 👍 0 👎 0

---

Read the original coverage