Cindy Crawford is facing an unimaginable loss after the sudden death of her only son, Presley Gerber, at just 27 years old. A source close to the legendary supermodel says she is heartbroken, devastated and still in complete shock as her family struggles to process the tragedy.
Presley, the son Cindy shared with businessman Rande Gerber, died on September 20 in Santa Monica. Police records show that emergency crews were called that morning following reports of a possible overdose and cardiac arrest. Paramedics pronounced Presley dead at 9:45 a.m.
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Santa Monica Police are investigating his death as a suspected overdose, but authorities have stressed that there is currently no indication of foul play. The official cause of death has not yet been determined.
The devastating news has left the entire Gerber family reeling. A source close to Presley’s sister, Kaia Gerber, said the family is in “total shock” and struggling with a loss that has left them saddened beyond words.
Kaia reportedly admired her brother for being so open about his personal struggles. Presley had spoken publicly about mental health, depression and drug use, hoping that sharing his experiences could help others facing similar battles. His family was said to be proud that he had begun turning some of his darkest experiences into a way of supporting other people.
Another source close to Cindy Crawford pushed back against any suggestion that Presley had faced his struggles without strong family support. According to the source, Cindy and Rande remained closely involved in their son’s life throughout years of difficulties.
They were there for him, supported him and did everything they could to help. The Gerber family has always been extremely close, and Presley was deeply loved by his parents and sister.
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner has now completed Presley’s autopsy, but the official cause and manner of death remain deferred while additional tests are carried out. Authorities have warned that the process could take several months.
Presley had never hidden the challenges he faced.
During a 2023 appearance on the Studio 22 podcast, he spoke openly about his battle with mental health and his desire to use what he had been through to make a difference. He explained that helping even one person escape the dark place he had once experienced would make sharing his story worthwhile.
He described mental health as something that required attention 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and said he hoped the mistakes he had made could prevent someone else from making the same ones.
His final public appearance came only months before his death.
In June, Presley appeared alongside Cindy and Rande at the We Are ENOUGH x Aviator Nation launch in Malibu, where he participated in a discussion about mental health. Photos from the event showed him smiling between his parents, with his arm around his father.
Speaking about growing up in the public eye, Presley admitted that he had often felt pressure to present himself in a certain way.
But he also revealed the moment when everything began to change.
For Presley, the greatest sense of freedom came when he finally stopped pretending — and became completely honest with himself.
