Presley Gerber, the only son of supermodel Cindy Crawford and nightlife mogul Rande Gerber, was found dead at a California rehab facility on Sept. 20, 2026. He was 27 years old. According to reports, he had checked into a Santa Monica treatment center just one day earlier, on Sept. 19. His cause of death remains undetermined while autopsy results are pending.
Gerber’s story was a complicated one. He signed with IMG Models at 15 and walked runways for major fashion houses including Moschino and Dolce&Gabbana. But behind the runways was a decade-long battle with drug addiction that included a 2018 DUI arrest, a 2019 face tattoo reading“MISUNDERSTOOD,”and a near-fatal fentanyl overdose. In recent years, he spoke openly about his mental health and opioid addiction, and in March 2025 he traveled to Mexico for an ibogaine treatment he hoped would mark a turning point.
His death has reignited conversations about addiction, recovery, and the pressure of growing up in the public eye. If you or someone you know is struggling, the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline offers free, confidential support 24/7 by call or text.
What do you think needs to change about how we talk about addiction and recovery?
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Local Lawton
Local Lawton is a contributor to LocalBeat, covering local news and community stories.