Presley Gerber, the model and only son of Cindy Crawford and Rande Gerber, died on September 20, 2026, at age 27. He was found at a rehabilitation facility in Santa Monica, California. Santa Monica police are investigating his death as a suspected overdose, while the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner has deferred the official cause and manner of death pending additional testing.
Gerber’s death has drawn widespread attention because of his famous family, modeling career and his public discussions about addiction and mental health.
What happened to Presley Gerber?
Presley Gerber died on September 20 at a rehabilitation facility in Santa Monica.
According to the Santa Monica Police Department, officers responded at about 9:35 a.m. to a report of a possible overdose at a location in the 1000 block of Berkeley Street. They found a deceased adult male who was later identified as Gerber, 27. Police said there was no indication of foul play.
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner confirmed that Gerber was pronounced dead at 9:45 a.m. on September 20. His case remains under investigation.
Is the cause of Presley Gerber’s death confirmed?
No. The official cause of death has not been determined.
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner completed an examination on September 21 but deferred both the cause and manner of death. The office said additional testing or studies were required and that a final determination could take several months.
Police are investigating the death as a suspected overdose. Reports about an overdose therefore describe the current police investigation and should not be treated as the final medical cause of death.
Presley Gerber death: Key facts
| Detail | Information |
| Full name | Presley Walker Gerber |
| Age | 27 |
| Date of death | September 20, 2026 |
| Location | Santa Monica, California |
| Occupation | Model |
| Mother | Cindy Crawford |
| Father | Rande Gerber |
| Sister | Kaia Gerber |
| Cause of death | Pending |
| Police investigation | Suspected overdose |
| Foul play | No indication reported |
Who was Presley Gerber?
Presley Gerber was born in California in 1999 to Cindy Crawford and businessman Rande Gerber. He entered modeling as a teenager and was signed by IMG Models at 15.
He made his runway debut for Moschino at 16 and later worked with fashion houses and brands including Burberry, Dolce & Gabbana, Bottega Veneta, Tommy Hilfiger and Ralph Lauren. He also appeared with Kaia Gerber in Calvin Klein’s global advertising campaign.
Gerber also appeared with his mother in a 2018 Pepsi commercial that referenced Crawford’s famous 1992 Pepsi campaign.
His career developed alongside the growing public profile of his younger sister, Kaia, who became an internationally recognized model and actress.
What is known about Kaia and Presley Gerber?
Kaia and Presley Gerber were the two children of Cindy Crawford and Rande Gerber.
Kaia has spoken publicly about her brother’s long struggle with drug addiction. In an August 2026 interview with Vogue, she described the effect his addiction had on the family and said she was proud of his willingness to speak openly about his experiences.
Gerber also had a tattoo dedicated to his sister. In 2018, he had “Kaia” and the Roman numerals “XXIII” tattooed on his arm. Kaia publicly reacted to the tattoo at the time.
Their relationship remained part of Gerber’s public story as both siblings-built careers in fashion.
What was the Presley Gerber face tattoo?
The Presley Gerber face tattoo became one of the most discussed aspects of his appearance.
In February 2020, Gerber revealed a tattoo reading “MISUNDERSTOOD” beneath his right eye. He later explained that the word reflected his feeling that people did not understand what he was experiencing.
The tattoo was later removed. By 2021, reports indicated that the lettering was no longer visible.
The tattoo was part of a larger collection of body art that Gerber accumulated during his modeling career.
Did Presley Gerber discuss addiction and mental health?
Yes. Gerber spoke publicly about his struggles with mental health, depression and addiction before his death.
He used social media to discuss his experiences and created a series called “Mental Health Mondays.” His public comments focused on his own struggles and his hope that speaking openly could help other people dealing with similar problems.
His sister Kaia also discussed his addiction publicly shortly before his death. In her 2026 Vogue interview, she described his openness as something that changed how the family approached difficult conversations.
These documented struggles provide background to his final years, but they do not establish the medical cause of his death. That determination remains with the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner.
What happens next in the investigation?
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner will determine the official cause and manner of death after the required testing is completed. The office has said deferred cases can take several months.
As of September 23, 2026, the confirmed information is:
- Presley Gerber died at 27 on September 20.
- He died at a rehabilitation facility in Santa Monica.
- Police are investigating the death as a suspected overdose.
- Authorities have reported no indication of foul play.
- An autopsy or examination has been completed.
- The official cause and manner of death remain pending.
- Gerber had previously spoken publicly about addiction and mental health.
- His family has asked for privacy.
The most important difference is that a suspected overdose is currently part of the police investigation, while the official cause of Presley Gerber’s death has not yet been released. Further information is expected from the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner as the investigation continues.
