George Clooney Addresses 'Devastating' Death of Presley Gerber
The actor spoke out about the passing of his close friends' son, Presley Gerber, who died at age 27.
George Clooney has broken his silence on the death of Presley Gerber, the 27-year-old son of his close friends Cindy Crawford and Rande Gerber. Presley died on September 20 at a Santa Monica rehabilitation facility called Resolutions Living, reportedly from a suspected overdose that led to cardiac arrest.
Clooney, who has known Crawford and Gerber for many years, shared his thoughts on the tragedy while attending his awards ceremony, The Albies, in London. "Quite honestly, it's one of the most devastating things that's happened to our family," Clooney told Entertainment Tonight. "And their family is just as you can imagine. It's the worst thing that could ever happen with family."
A source close to the situation told the Daily Mail that Clooney is "deeply saddened and sick over this." Other insiders shared with People that Clooney, his wife Amal, and other close friends have been spending time with the Gerber family to provide support and assist with arrangements.
Presley Gerber had reportedly checked into the Resolutions Living facility the night before his death. Video footage obtained by TMZ from the evening before he died showed Gerber giving a tour of the sober living home. In the clip, he appeared visibly under the influence with glazed eyes.
Sources told TMZ that Gerber had reportedly used drugs on the afternoon of his death and became concerned about losing control. His sober coach then contacted the facility, which agreed to admit him. The coach had intended to move Gerber to a rehabilitation facility on the following Monday, but he was left at Resolutions Living for the weekend.
Insiders allege that Gerber continued to use drugs within the sober home, potentially viewing the weekend as a final opportunity before entering rehab. He was found deceased the next morning.
TMZ reported that the admissions officer who allowed Gerber into the facility has since been fired. The luxury residence is described as featuring spacious living quarters, outdoor seating, a movie theater, and a fitness gym, with daily chef-prepared meals and 24-hour on-site staff support.
Presley Gerber's remains were cremated shortly after his passing, according to a death certificate obtained by TMZ. His occupation was listed as an entrepreneur working in mental health. Crawford and Gerber are reportedly keeping their son's ashes at their home.
Sources close to the investigation told TMZ that Gerber was found in a bedroom at the rehab house, though not on the bed itself. Fentanyl has not been a focus of the investigation at this time, pending the Medical Examiner's toxicology report.
An earlier 911 dispatch call from the rehab facility mentioned "cardiac arrest" followed by "overdose," with the situation rapidly escalating within minutes.
Following the 911 audio release, sources told TMZ that a physician had been prescribing Gerber ketamine, despite knowing his history of drug addiction. Friends are reportedly upset that the doctor prescribed the drug, which can be used for addiction treatment but is not FDA-approved for that purpose, given Gerber's past struggles.
Gerber had been open about his decade-long battle with drug addiction and mental health issues. In March, he posted about undergoing a "Pre-ibogaine flood dose" at a treatment clinic in Mexico. Ibogaine, a psychoactive substance derived from an African shrub, is used to help with withdrawal symptoms and induce a profound "reset." His parents and sister, Kaia Gerber, praised his courage for undertaking the treatment.
Last November, Presley Gerber stepped back from social media to focus on his mental health. He later began sharing "Mental Health Mondays" videos on Instagram, detailing his medication for night terrors and panic attacks. He had also struggled with mental health from a young age and was arrested for driving under the influence in 2019.
Presley's death came weeks after his sister Kaia Gerber spoke to Vogue about the impact his struggles had on their family, describing it as having "leveled everyone." Kaia praised her brother's honesty and openness about his challenges, contrasting it with their parents' traditionally private approach to family life. "There's only so much you can hide from the world," she said. "And trying to put a lid on something just makes the person feel like you're ashamed of them."