Presley Gerber, son of supermodel Cindy Crawford and Rande Gerber, underwent a controversial addiction treatment six months prior to his death at age 27. He described the experience as "absolutely terrifying" in a social media post from March, where he detailed his "Pre Ibogaine Flood Dose" at a clinic in Mexico.
Ibogaine, a psychoactive substance derived from an African shrub, is reported to aid withdrawal symptoms and reset brain pathways. The treatment involves a high-dose administration, designed to induce a profound psychoactive and physiological reset. This substance is classified as a Schedule I controlled substance and is illegal in the United States, but it is legal or permitted by prescription in countries like Canada and Brazil, and used in specialized clinics in Mexico.
Gerber documented his experience at Beond Ibogaine in Cancun, a 10-day program starting at $12,500. He expressed gratitude for the clinic's team and friends he made during his stay. "I knew why I was there. I faced what I had been running from, and somewhere in all of it, I started finding my way back to myself," he wrote. He added mantras of self-love and trusting something bigger to guide him, praying it would be the last time he needed such treatment.
His family publicly supported his decision. Cindy Crawford commented on his post, calling him a "warrior" and expressing pride for his courage. Kaia Gerber stated, "that’s my brother I am so damn proud," while Rande Gerber wrote, "I’m so proud of you and your courage."
Presley Gerber's death was confirmed on Monday. He had struggled for years with drugs, panic attacks, and mental health issues. In November of the previous year, he had stepped back from social media to focus on his mental health. He had also openly discussed his medication regimen, including Buprenorphine for opioid use disorders, benzodiazepines, and Xanax for panic attacks, noting the fluctuating dosages and expressing a desire for clearer direction from his doctors.
His sister, Kaia Gerber, spoke about the impact of his struggles on their family, telling Vogue that his honesty was "refreshing" and highlighted his role as a "teacher" in being human and open about his challenges. She noted that her brother's difficulties influenced her own desire to be the "easy" child, hesitant to ask for help.
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner confirmed his death on Sunday at a rehab facility. His cause of death has not yet been revealed.