Cindy Crawford Shares Heartfelt Tribute to Son Presley Weeks Before His Death
Supermodel's touching birthday message to her 'little boy,' Presley Gerber, resurfaces following his passing at 27.
Supermodel Cindy Crawford shared a poignant birthday message for her son Presley Gerber two months before his death at the age of 27. The message, posted in July, expressed pride in the man he had become while also acknowledging her enduring view of him as her "little boy."
Presley died on Sunday at a rehabilitation facility. His cause of death was not immediately disclosed, but reports indicate he had been struggling with drug use, panic attacks, and mental health challenges for years.
In her July tribute, Crawford posted childhood photos of herself with a young Presley, captioning them: "Happy birthday I’m so proud of the man you’ve become, but I’ll always see you as my little boy! Love you."
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Her husband, Rande Gerber, echoed similar sentiments in a supportive comment on Presley's own post about undergoing Ibogaine treatment in Mexico. He wrote, "I'm so proud of you and your courage. Facing what's hard takes real strength and watching you find your way back to yourself is everything. I love you so much."
Presley had publicly discussed his experience with Ibogaine, a psychoactive substance derived from an African shrub, noting his fear but also his trust in a guiding force. He described facing what he had been running from and beginning to find his way back to himself, expressing hope that it would be his last treatment. He also acknowledged the supportive team and friends he made during the process.
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His sister, Kaia Gerber, had recently spoken about the profound impact her brother's struggles had on their family, telling Vogue that such events "kind of levels everyone."
Presley Gerber had embarked on a modeling career at 15, appearing in campaigns for brands like Dolce & Gabbana and Calvin Klein. He was signed with IMG models and also featured in a Pepsi advertisement with his mother. He had a previous encounter with law enforcement in 2019 when he was arrested for driving under the influence. Ibogaine, though classified as a Schedule I controlled substance in the United States and prohibited since 1967, has been endorsed by some public figures and studied for its potential benefits in treating anxiety, depression, and withdrawal symptoms. A Stanford University study published in January 2024 reported significant improvements in anxiety and depression symptoms in veterans treated with ibogaine. Neurologist Deborah Mash has noted its potential to rewire the brain by promoting the growth of neural networks in damaged areas.