Cindy Crawford’s family has been left devastated following the death of her son Presley Gerber at the age of 27.
The model and entrepreneur, who followed his famous mother into the fashion industry, died on Sunday, according to records from the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner.
News of his death was confirmed by a representative for Crawford, her husband Rande Gerber and their daughter Kaia Gerber.
“The family is asking for privacy during this very difficult and painful time,” the representative said, per TMZ.
Presley was the only son of Cindy and Rande and had spent much of his life in the public eye, growing up alongside his younger sister Kaia.
The family had continued to support him publicly in recent years as he spoke openly about difficulties involving his mental health and substance use.
Presley followed his mother into modelling
Presley was born in California in 1999 and began establishing his own career in fashion while still a teenager.
He signed with IMG Models at 15 and made his runway debut at Moschino’s Los Angeles resort show when he was 16.
His career went on to include work with some of the biggest names in fashion, including Burberry, Dolce & Gabbana, Bottega Veneta, Tommy Hilfiger and Ralph Lauren.
He also appeared in campaigns for Calvin Klein, Celine, Pepsi and Omega, while his work was featured in fashion publications including GQ Style and The New York Times Style Magazine.
Presley’s connection to the fashion world was hardly surprising given his parents.
His mother, Cindy Crawford, became one of the world’s most recognisable supermodels, while his father, Rande Gerber, built a successful career as a businessman and was one of the co-founders of Casamigos tequila alongside George Clooney.
Presley also appeared alongside his mother in a Pepsi Super Bowl commercial in 2018.
Speaking about the experience at the time, he described his family as being very close.
“We’re a really tight family, so it was just like going to work with one of your friends. It was so fun, and easy,” he said, per the BBC.
He shared a close bond with his sister
Presley and Kaia grew up together in the spotlight and both went on to pursue careers in modelling.
The siblings even appeared together in a Calvin Klein campaign, while Presley had his sister’s name tattooed on his arm.
He previously spoke about how close they were, telling People in 2018: “We’re a close family, especially me and my sister, so it’s definitely cool.”
“We get to travel together half of the time, so it makes it a lot less lonely,” he added.
Kaia has also spoken about the effect her brother’s struggles had on the family.
Earlier this month, she discussed his difficulties with addiction in American Vogue, describing the experience of having someone close to you go through such a struggle.
“When something like that happens in a family, it kind of levels everyone,” Kaia said.
She also explained that the situation had affected the way she viewed her own role within the family.
“I think that’s also why I started to self-identify as the easy one and never wanted to ask for help,” she said.
Kaia also praised her brother for being open about his experiences and allowing other people to see a more vulnerable side of him.
Presley spoke openly about mental health
Presley had previously discussed his own mental health struggles and drug use publicly.
In a 2023 appearance on the Studio 22 podcast, he spoke about dealing with depression and other challenges, CNN reports.
“Having struggled with mental health, depression and some other things that come along with that, I think that whether I help one person or a hundred people get out of that place that I was in at one point in my life, that’s all I need to do,” he said.
He also launched a project called ‘Mental Health Mondays,’ using his social media platforms to encourage people to talk more openly about mental health.
According to his modelling agency, the initiative was intended to encourage conversations about issues that people often keep private.
In a later social media post, Presley also discussed his experiences with prescription medication and treatment.
His family publicly supported him through those difficulties.
His parents continued to support him
Presley’s parents remained vocal about their pride in him.
In March, he shared a video discussing an experience involving ibogaine treatment, describing how frightened he had been before going through the process and reflecting on what he hoped it would mean for his future.
His father, Rande, responded to the post with a message of encouragement.
“Facing what’s hard takes real strength and watching you find your way back to yourself is everything,” he wrote, per Variety.
Cindy also commented on her son’s post, telling him: “You are a warrior! Walked thru the fire to find yourself! So proud!”
The messages showed the support that remained within the family as Presley continued trying to deal with his struggles.
Cindy’s final birthday message to her son
Just weeks before his death, Cindy shared a heartfelt message marking her son’s 27th birthday.
In July, she posted two childhood photographs of Presley on social media.
“I’m so proud of the man you’ve become, but I’ll always see you as my little boy! Love you,” she wrote.
The message offered a glimpse into the close relationship between mother and son.
Presley had also continued working and appearing publicly during the final months of his life.
He attended the premiere of Infinite Icon: A Visual Memoir in Los Angeles in January, where he was photographed on the red carpet.
His death therefore came after years in which he had remained connected to both his family and the fashion industry.
Authorities issue an update
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner has now provided further information about the circumstances surrounding Presley’s death.
According to records filed by the Medical Examiner, Presley died on Sunday while at a rehab facility.
He was 27.
The cause of death has not been listed, and an autopsy has not yet been completed, meaning there is currently no publicly confirmed cause of death.
His family’s representative has asked for privacy as they deal with the loss.
Presley is survived by his parents, Cindy Crawford and Rande Gerber, and his sister, Kaia Gerber.
