Tragedy Strikes Cindy Crawford’s Family: Son Presley Gerber Dies in Rehab

The family of Cindy Crawford faces a profound loss as her 27-year-old son, Presley Gerber, reportedly passed away at a rehabilitation center. Dr. Jessica Gray, a family medicine physician, explores the events leading to his death, including Gerber’s advocacy for ibogaine, a controversial treatment for addiction. The incident highlights the complexities surrounding addiction recovery.

Months before his unexpected death on September 20, Presley Gerber shared personal insights into his struggle with addiction. In March, he posted a video describing his upcoming ‘ibogaine flood dose’ treatment, a psychedelic therapy intended to address addiction, conducted at a wellness clinic in Cancún, Mexico. According to Stanford Medicine, ibogaine is a psychedelic from the Tabernanthe iboga plant and shows potential for treating opioid and cocaine addiction. Though legal in several countries, it remains illegal in the United States.

“Quiet moment before everything changed,” Gerber wrote on Instagram, expressing his fear and reliance on a greater force to guide him through.

Authorities are treating Gerber’s death as a ‘suspected overdose.’ Reports from the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner note a ‘deferred’ cause of death, and investigations continue. The Santa Monica Police Department confirms the ongoing inquiry.

A family representative requests privacy during this challenging period. Presley Gerber’s parents, Cindy Crawford and Rande Gerber, voiced their support for his treatment endeavors. Presley often shared his journey with addiction and mental health publicly. During a 2023 podcast appearance, he emphasized the omnipresent struggle with mental health.

“It’s a 24/7 job,” he said. “I want to help people dealing with depression or any issue affecting them negatively.”

Presley Gerber also aimed to prevent others from repeating his mistakes, discussing this openly in various forums. He initiated ‘Mental Health Mondays’ in 2024 on social media to foster discussions about mental well-being. He temporarily left social media in 2025 to focus on personal recovery.

In a message to his followers, he expressed intent to return ‘stronger, clearer, and more intentional’ and emphasized the importance of addressing often-hidden issues.

Presley’s family supported his candidness, with Cindy Crawford and Rande Gerber expressing pride in his courage. Sister Kaia Gerber praised his openness, acknowledging the familial impact of his decade-long struggle with addiction.