Investigation into Persley Gerber’s Overdose

Detectives are working to identify the source of the drugs linked to the fatal overdose of Cindy Crawford’s son, Persley Gerber, at a rehab center in Santa Monica last weekend, according to law enforcement sources.

Investigation Details

Gerber, 27, passed away at a luxury rehab center in Santa Monica on Sunday. The Santa Monica Police Department indicated there is presently no sign of foul play and is examining Gerber’s apparent overdose. According to sources, the investigation is still in its early stages.

The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s office performed an autopsy on Monday. They deferred the cause and manner of death pending toxicology results, which may take weeks or months.

The Rehab Center

Gerber had only been at Resolution Living in Santa Monica for a few hours prior to his death, police stated. According to the facility’s website, the center offers services as a “Mental Health Recovery Residence” with treatments such as partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient programs for mental health issues, including depression, trauma, and addiction. The center caters to individuals with co-occurring disorders as well.

Officers responded to a cardiac arrest call and an overdose report at the center around 9:35 a.m. on Sunday. However, Resolution Living has yet to comment on the incident.

Tracing Drug Sources

It has become common practice for authorities to trace drug suppliers in overdose cases. Recently, Hayden Panettiere’s death from fentanyl and other drugs prompted federal authorities in Los Angeles to investigate whether she obtained nonprescription pills from local dealers. Investigators have been questioning individuals connected to the circumstances of her death.

The death of Matthew Perry from ketamine overdose sparked similar investigations, leading to five individuals being charged with conspiracy to distribute the drug.

In Gerber’s case, little has been disclosed about the police investigation. Attorneys Brian Claypool and Glen Jonas noted that autopsy and toxicology results would be key to determining legal liability and possibly scrutinizing the rehab center.

There have been instances where drugs were smuggled into rehabilitation centers. A lawsuit was filed by the family of a Riverside woman after her overdose death at a sober living facility.

In 2022, Edwin Oliva from Montebello received over 33 years in federal prison for supplying lethal fentanyl. He misled a woman about the substance being cocaine, resulting in a fatal overdose.