Model Presley Gerber, Son of Cindy Crawford, Dies at Age 27 in Los Angeles

Gerber signed with IMG Models at age 15, made his runway debut for Moschino in Los Angeles, later walked for Dolce & Gabbana in Milan and appeared in Calvin Klein campaigns.
His 2019 DUI arrest resulted in three years of probation, community service and participation in a mandatory DUI program. He also briefly drew attention for a facial tattoo reading “MISUNDERSTOOD,” which he later appeared to have removed.
Gerber used Instagram videos, including a series called “Mental Health Mondays,” to discuss his recovery and advocate for people dealing with depression, addiction and other struggles. He said mental health was “a 24/7 job” and that he wanted to help people without judgment.
In a 2023 podcast interview, Gerber said he hoped his past mistakes could spare others from making the same ones: “What I hope I can do is have made the mistakes for some other people, so they don’t have to make the same mistakes that I made.”
Kaia Gerber said her brother’s openness had changed how the family confronted his problems, describing him as “this absolute teacher” who was willing to be “very human for everyone.” She added that hiding such issues can make a person feel ashamed.
Presley Gerber, the 27-year-old model and son of supermodel Cindy Crawford, died Sunday at a Los Angeles rehabilitation facility, according to Los Angeles County Medical Examiner records. An autopsy is pending, and authorities have not released an official cause of death. His family confirmed the loss and requested privacy during this difficult time.
Gerber signed with IMG Models at 15 and built a career on major runways and campaigns for Calvin Klein, Dolce & Gabbana, and Moschino. Beyond modeling, he became known for publicly discussing his struggles with depression, addiction, and mental health challenges. He used social media and podcasts to advocate for others facing similar battles, hoping his openness could spare others from making the same mistakes.
Presley made his runway debut for Moschino in Los Angeles at a young age and later walked shows for top designers across Europe. He appeared in high-profile campaigns and built a modeling presence alongside his sister, Kaia Gerber. Beyond fashion, he carved out a different kind of platform by becoming transparent about his personal struggles.
He created a series called "Mental Health Mondays" on Instagram where he openly discussed recovery and depression. In interviews, he emphasized that mental health was "a 24/7 job" and said he wanted to help people without judgment. His sister Kaia later described him as "this absolute teacher" whose willingness to be "very human" changed how the family approached his challenges.
In 2019, Gerber was arrested for driving under the influence, resulting in three years of probation, community service, and a mandatory DUI program. The arrest drew public attention and marked a turning point in his life. He also briefly became known for a facial tattoo reading "MISUNDERSTOOD," which he later appeared to have removed as his perspective shifted.
Rather than hide his mistakes, Gerber used them as teaching moments. In a 2023 podcast interview, he said: "What I hope I can do is have made the mistakes for some other people, so they don't have to make the same mistakes that I made." His openness reflected a commitment to helping others navigate similar struggles with depression and substance use.
Daily Mail and The Age reported that Presley was last seen smiling with family members in recent photos. His mother, Cindy Crawford, and his sister, Kaia Gerber, were among those closest to him during his recovery journey. The family has requested privacy as they grieve his unexpected death.
Kaia spoke publicly about how her brother's transparency reshaped family conversations around mental health. She emphasized that hiding such struggles can intensify feelings of shame, making his willingness to speak openly all the more significant. The exact cause of death remains under investigation by the Medical Examiner.
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