Presley Gerber, the 27-year-old son of supermodel Cindy Crawford and nightlife mogul Rande Gerber, died Sunday from a suspected overdose while staying at Resolutions Living, a Santa Monica treatment home for substance addiction and mental health issues. According to a 911 dispatch recording, responders were called for a cardiac arrest and overdose. He had checked into the facility just days before his death.
Presley had spoken publicly about his struggles with substance use and a combination of pills. A source who knew him from working at his father’s Malibu restaurant, Cafe Habana, said he carried“demons”that weren’t all tied to growing up famous, and that he dealt with long-standing trust issues related to his celebrity family. His sister, model Kaia Gerber, 25, is said to be taking the loss extremely hard, while Cindy Crawford is described as inconsolable.
The story lands hard for anyone who has watched a loved one cycle through treatment and relapse. Presley was in the exact place designed to help him, and it still wasn’t enough. If you or someone you know is struggling with substance use, the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available by call or text, 24 hours a day.
What do you think needs to change about how we talk about addiction and treatment? Let us know in the comments.
About the Author
Local Lawton
Local Lawton is a contributor to LocalBeat, covering local news and community stories.