Last Updated: September 22, 2026
Presley Gerber, the eldest child of supermodel Cindy Crawford and businessman Rande Gerber, has died at the age of 27. News of his passing broke on September 21, 2026, and sent shockwaves through the fashion world and beyond.
The 27-year-old model was confirmed dead by Los Angeles County Medical Examiner records, which stated he passed away at a rehabilitation facility on Sunday, September 20, 2026. His family released a brief statement asking for privacy during what they described as a very difficult and painful time.
For more than a decade, Presley had been a familiar face in fashion circles. He signed with IMG Models at just 15, walked for some of the biggest names in the industry, and later became known for his honest conversations about mental health and addiction. This biography looks back at his life, his career highlights, his family, and the tributes that followed his death.
Who is Presley Gerber? Presley Walker Gerber (July 2, 1999 – September 20, 2026) was an American model best known as the son of Cindy Crawford and Rande Gerber, and the elder brother of model Kaia Gerber. He signed with IMG Models at 15, walked for Moschino, Dolce & Gabbana and Burberry, and died aged 27 at a rehabilitation facility in Los Angeles.
Presley Gerber: Early Life and Famous Family
Presley Walker Gerber was born on July 2, 1999, in the Brentwood neighbourhood of Los Angeles, California. He was the first child of Cindy Crawford and Rande Gerber, who married in 1998.
His mother is one of the most recognisable supermodels of all time. His father is a successful businessman and nightclub entrepreneur, best known as the co-founder of Casamigos tequila alongside George Clooney. Together, they raised Presley and his younger sister, Kaia Gerber, largely away from the harshest glare of the spotlight.
Kaia, born on September 3, 2001, would go on to become a major fashion model and actress in her own right. The two siblings shared a close bond and both followed their mother into the modelling industry as teenagers.
Presley attended Malibu High School in California. By his own account, growing up in Hollywood came with unusual pressures. He later described the experience of being raised in the entertainment world as something that shaped his outlook on fame, privacy and mental health.
Standing 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) with blonde hair and a natural ease in front of the camera, he inherited his mother’s striking looks. Industry insiders often remarked on how closely he resembled Crawford in her youth.
Key facts about the Gerber family include:
- Mother: Cindy Crawford, American supermodel, television personality and businesswoman
- Father: Rande Gerber, businessman and co-founder of Casamigos tequila
- Sister: Kaia Gerber, model and actress, born September 3, 2001
- Birthplace: Brentwood, Los Angeles, California
- Education: Graduated from Malibu High School
Despite the fame surrounding his family, Presley spent much of his childhood out of the public eye. His parents deliberately limited his exposure to the media during his early years.
That changed when he entered his teens and decided to pursue modelling professionally. The decision placed him firmly in the public spotlight for the first time, and he would spend the rest of his life navigating it.
Modelling Career: From IMG to the Runway
Presley Gerber signed his first modelling contract with IMG Models at just 15 years old. It was a remarkable achievement for any teenager, and it immediately drew attention because of his famous mother.
Some critics accused Presley Gerber of trading on the Crawford name. But those who worked with him consistently said he had genuine talent, professionalism and a distinctive look that set him apart.
A year later, at 16, he made his runway debut for the Italian fashion house Moschino at its resort show in Los Angeles. The debut was widely covered in the fashion press and marked his formal arrival on the international scene.
From there, bookings came quickly. He walked for major houses and appeared in campaigns that put him alongside some of the biggest names in fashion. His career developed in parallel with his sister Kaia’s, and the two were frequently photographed together at shows and events.
In 2018, he starred alongside his mother in Pepsi’s Super Bowl LII commercial. The advert was a nostalgic nod to Crawford’s famous 1992 Pepsi campaign and introduced Presley to millions of viewers who had never seen him before.
Later, he signed with DNA Model Management in 2019. According to his biography on the agency’s website, he also worked as an investor and entrepreneur alongside his modelling commitments.
His fashion work included campaigns and runway appearances for Calvin Klein, Dolce & Gabbana, Burberry, Tommy Hilfiger, Ralph Lauren, Bottega Veneta, Celine and Omega. He also appeared in editorials for GQ Style and The New York Times Style Magazine.
Yet by the late 2010s, his momentum began to slow. He stepped back from the spotlight amid mounting personal struggles, and his public appearances became less frequent. Those close to him said he was trying to find his own path beyond the runway.
Presley Gerber’s Biggest Modelling Highlights
Across a career that spanned roughly a decade, Presley built a portfolio most young models would envy. His highlights show a model who was trusted by heritage brands and contemporary labels alike.
- Moschino resort show (2016): His runway debut at 16 for the Italian label in Los Angeles, the moment that launched his career
- Dolce & Gabbana: Featured in campaigns for the legendary Italian fashion house on multiple occasions
- Calvin Klein: Appeared in international campaigns for the American label, one of fashion’s most coveted bookings
- Pepsi Super Bowl LII (2018): Starred with his mother Cindy Crawford in the high-profile advert watched by more than 100 million viewers
- Tommy Hilfiger and Ralph Lauren: Walked for two of America’s most established fashion brands
- Burberry and Bottega Veneta: Modelled for British luxury house Burberry and Italian label Bottega Veneta
- Omega: Represented the Swiss watchmaker in campaign work
- Editorial work: Shot for GQ Style and The New York Times Style Magazine
What made his career stand out was the range. He moved comfortably between high fashion, commercial campaigns and editorial work, a versatility that agencies value highly.
The Pepsi advert remains Presley Gerber’s most widely seen piece of work. Pairing mother and son was a clever creative choice, and it gave audiences a glimpse of their genuine bond. For many viewers in the UK and the US, it was the first time they had really noticed Presley.
By 2019, however, the pace of Presley Gerber’s career had clearly changed. He took on fewer bookings and spoke increasingly about wanting a life beyond fashion. Friends said he was searching for purpose outside the industry that had made him famous.
Personal Life: Tattoos, Struggles and Mental Health Advocacy
Away from the runway, Presley lived a life marked by both privilege and pain. He was open about the fact that fame had not protected him from serious personal difficulties.
In 2019, he was arrested and later charged with a DUI. He pleaded no contest and received three years of informal probation. The incident was widely reported and became a turning point in how he spoke publicly about his life.
The following year, he had the word “MISUNDERSTOOD” tattooed prominently on his face. The tattoo sparked intense debate online. Responding to the criticism at the time, he said: “Most and a lot of people can get a face lifts, change genders, lip injections, etc and it’s offensive to say anything in today’s age but I get a little face tattoo and now people love to hate me.”
He also had the letters “HAHA” inked on his left-hand fingers, among other tattoos. His body art became a signature part of his public image, for better or worse.
In his mid-twenties, Presley began using his platform to discuss mental health and addiction with striking candour. He started an Instagram series called “Mental Health Mondays”, explaining that the goal was to “spark real conversations about the stuff most people hide”.
In December 2025, he shared a raw update with followers about his medication and recovery. He admitted he was scared, but added: “Hopefully between my research and their research and God, we can figure this out.”
He finished that update with words that now carry added weight: “I have a feeling that if I say all of this, a lot of people will at least know that there’s someone else going through it.”
In March 2026, he posted a video from Cancun, Mexico, documenting a drug withdrawal treatment ahead of an ibogaine session. His mother commented: “You are a warrior! Walked thru the fire to find yourself! So proud!”
Presley Gerber’s honesty won him respect far beyond fashion. Many followers said his posts helped them feel less alone in their own struggles with depression and substance use.
The Tragic News: Presley Gerber Dies Aged 27
On Sunday, September 20, 2026, Presley Gerber died at a rehabilitation facility in the Los Angeles area. He was 27 years old.
The news was first reported by TMZ and then confirmed by multiple outlets, including Reuters and Entertainment Weekly. According to records from the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner, reviewed by Entertainment Weekly, he died at the facility on September 20.
As of September 22, 2026, the cause of death has not been officially disclosed. The Medical Examiner’s records did not list a cause, and the case has been deferred pending additional investigation.
The Santa Monica Police Department said in a media release that officers responded to a report at the facility on the morning of September 20. The department said the death is being investigated as a suspected overdose and that there is no indication of foul play. An autopsy was completed on September 21, with results pending further investigation.
His family confirmed the news through a representative, Allie Jenkins, who told reporters: “The family is asking for privacy during this very difficult and painful time.”
The announcement triggered an immediate outpouring of grief. Within hours, “presley gerber” became one of the fastest-rising search terms in the UK, with interest surging by more than 1,000 percent as fans and followers sought to understand what had happened.
His final known public appearance had come in May 2026. He stepped out with his parents and sister to support Kaia at the launch of her RE/DONE collection in Los Angeles. Photographs from that evening show the family together, smiling — images that have since taken on a heartbreaking significance.
Weeks before his death, he had shared a series of modelling photographs on Instagram. The images show him looking relaxed and smiling among greenery. Fans have since flooded the post with tributes, with many saying the pictures are now painful to look at.
Family Tributes and Celebrity Reactions
The Gerber family has largely stayed silent in public, honouring their request for privacy. But the words they shared before his death now read as lasting tributes.
Earlier in the summer, Cindy Crawford posted a birthday carousel for Presley’s 27th birthday. The photographs spanned his childhood to adulthood. She wrote: “Happy birthday Presley Gerber. I’m so proud of the man you’ve become, but I’ll always see you as my little boy! Love you.”
In March 2026, when Presley posted about his treatment journey, Crawford commented publicly: “You are a warrior! Walked thru the fire to find yourself! So proud!” The exchange showed a mother standing firmly behind her son.
His sister Kaia had spoken about his struggles in an interview with Vogue magazine in August 2026. She said: “When something like that happens in a family, it kind of levels everyone.” Her words captured how deeply the family felt his difficulties.
Celebrity tributes poured in within hours of the announcement. Paris Hilton wrote that she was heartbroken, describing him as “sweet, sensitive, kind and genuine”.
Fashion colleagues and fans shared memories of working with him and of his mental health advocacy. Many pointed to his “Mental Health Mondays” series as evidence of a young man who wanted his pain to count for something.
One recurring theme in the tributes was his kindness. People who knew him described someone who was warm, funny and generous with his time, even while he was struggling himself.
The family has not announced funeral arrangements publicly. Supporters have been asked to respect their privacy as they grieve.
Presley Gerber’s Net Worth and Legacy
Presley Gerber’s net worth was never officially confirmed. Various celebrity wealth websites estimated his fortune at between $1 million and $4 million, earned primarily through modelling contracts, campaign fees and brand endorsements.
These figures should be treated with caution. No official source ever verified them, and Presley himself never discussed his finances publicly. What is certain is that his modelling career with IMG and later DNA Model Management provided him with a comfortable living.
Beyond money, his legacy is taking shape around his honesty about mental health. At a time when few young men in the public eye spoke openly about addiction and depression, he did so repeatedly and without polish.
His “Mental Health Mondays” series encouraged followers to have difficult conversations. In November 2025, he wrote: “When I started Mental Health Mondays, the goal was to spark real conversations about the stuff most people hide. It’s been incredible seeing how far that message has spread and how many people it has helped.”
Mental health charities in the UK have long stressed that open conversation saves lives. Organisations such as Mind and Samaritans encourage anyone struggling to reach out. In the UK and Ireland, Samaritans can be contacted free on 116 123, day or night.
Whether he intended it or not, Presley became a voice for young people who felt unseen. That may prove to be the most meaningful part of his legacy.
Presley Gerber: Quick Facts
Here is a summary of the key details of Presley Gerber’s life at a glance.
| Full name | Presley Walker Gerber |
| Born | July 2, 1999, Brentwood, Los Angeles, California |
| Died | September 20, 2026, aged 27, at a rehabilitation facility in Los Angeles |
| Parents | Cindy Crawford and Rande Gerber |
| Sibling | Kaia Gerber (sister) |
| Height | 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) |
| Occupation | Model, entrepreneur |
| Agencies | IMG Models, DNA Model Management |
| Runway debut | Moschino resort show, Los Angeles, aged 16 |
| Notable brands | Dolce & Gabbana, Calvin Klein, Burberry, Tommy Hilfiger, Pepsi, Omega |
| Net worth | Estimated $1m–$4m (unverified) |
The sudden loss of Presley Gerber has left a void in the fashion world and in the hearts of those who followed his journey. He was a son, a brother, a model and, in his final years, an unexpectedly honest voice on mental health.
His story is a reminder that fame and privilege do not protect anyone from pain. It is also a reminder of the power of speaking up. His family asked for privacy, and that request deserves to be honoured.
If this tribute to Presley Gerber moved you, please share it so more people can remember him for who he was. And if you or someone you love is struggling, reach out — in the UK, Samaritans are available on 116 123, free and confidential, around the clock. You are never alone.
Who was Presley Gerber?
Presley Walker Gerber (July 2, 1999 – September 20, 2026) was an American model best known as the son of supermodel Cindy Crawford and businessman Rande Gerber, and the elder brother of model Kaia Gerber. He signed with IMG Models at 15 and modelled for brands including Moschino, Dolce & Gabbana, Burberry and Calvin Klein.
How old was Presley Gerber when he died?
Presley Gerber was 27 years old when he died on September 20, 2026. Los Angeles County Medical Examiner records state that he passed away at a rehabilitation facility in the Los Angeles area.
What happened to Presley Gerber and how did he die?
His death was confirmed by the family and reported on September 21, 2026. The official cause of death has not been disclosed; the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner did not list a cause, and the Santa Monica Police Department said the death is being investigated as a suspected overdose with no indication of foul play. The family asked for privacy.
Who are Presley Gerber’s parents and family?
His parents are supermodel Cindy Crawford and businessman Rande Gerber, co-founder of Casamigos tequila, who married in 1998. His younger sister is model and actress Kaia Gerber, born September 3, 2001.
What were Presley Gerber’s biggest modelling highlights?
He signed with IMG Models at 15, made his runway debut for Moschino at 16, starred with his mother in Pepsi’s 2018 Super Bowl LII advert, and worked with Dolce & Gabbana, Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger, Burberry, Bottega Veneta, Celine and Omega. He also appeared in editorials for GQ Style and The New York Times Style Magazine.
What was Presley Gerber’s net worth?
No official figure was ever confirmed. Celebrity wealth websites estimated his net worth at between $1 million and $4 million, earned mainly through modelling contracts and endorsements, but these figures are unverified and should be treated with caution.
