Presley Gerber's Death Under Investigation as Suspected Overdose
The son of Cindy Crawford and Rande Gerber died shortly after entering a rehabilitation facility; his cause of death is pending.
Presley Gerber, the 27-year-old son of supermodel Cindy Crawford and businessman Rande Gerber, died on Sunday, September 20, one day after entering the Resolutions Living rehabilitation facility in Santa Monica, California. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner's office has deferred the cause of death pending further investigation and testing.
Santa Monica Police Department officials are investigating Gerber's death as a suspected overdose. Officers responded to a report of a possible overdose at approximately 9:35 a.m. on Sept. 20 and found an adult male deceased. At this time, there is no indication of foul play, and the facility has not been accused of wrongdoing.
Resolutions Living is described as a co-ed facility that offers intensive outpatient programs for individuals dealing with mental health, addiction, and co-occurring disorders. The center's website states that its experienced staff supports individuals with a wide range of needs, including substance abuse, mental health, trauma, and eating disorders.
Wrongful death and personal injury attorney John J. Perlstein cautioned against drawing premature conclusions about liability, stating that families often make significant efforts to support loved ones struggling with addiction. He described the Gerbers as a loving family and the circumstances as tragic.
Nicholas Kardaris, Ph.D., CEO and chief clinical officer of the New York Center for Living and a clinical professor at Stony Brook Medicine’s School of Social Welfare, noted that individuals in rehabilitation facilities can have complex medical histories. He suggested that sudden deaths in younger individuals could be due to undiagnosed conditions, acute medical events, or medication-related complications. Kardaris also highlighted that withdrawal from certain substances, such as benzodiazepines and alcohol, can be life-threatening without proper medical supervision.
The medical examiner's office stated that the investigation is in its early stages and that deferred cases can take several months to determine a cause of death. A deputy medical examiner performed an examination, and additional testing and studies have been requested.
The family has requested privacy during this difficult time.