Presley Gerber, son of Cindy Crawford and Rande Gerber, shared candid details about his struggles with addiction and his journey toward recovery in social media posts made months before his unexpected death at age 27. He died on September 20 at a rehabilitation facility in Los Angeles.
In March, Gerber posted a video of himself preparing for an "ibogaine flood dose," a psychedelic treatment he underwent at a wellness clinic in Cancún, Mexico. Ibogaine, derived from the Tabernanthe iboga shrub, has garnered interest for its potential to treat opioid and cocaine addiction, according to Stanford Medicine. While legal in some countries, the treatment is not approved in the United States.
"Quiet moment before everything changed," Gerber wrote in the caption of the video, expressing his fear and trust in a higher power. "I was absolutely terrified, and I knew I would be again if I ever had to face something like this." He added that he was "praying it’s the last time" he would need to return for treatment.
The Santa Monica Police Department is investigating Gerber's death as a "suspected overdose," according to a department release. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner's office has deferred the cause of death, stating that the investigation is ongoing.
Gerber's final Instagram post, made on August 5, featured photos of himself modeling clothing, with no accompanying caption beyond tagging the brand. His family has requested privacy during this difficult time.
Throughout his struggles with depression, panic attacks, and addiction, Gerber frequently used social media to advocate for open conversations about mental health and recovery. In 2023, he discussed his experiences on the "Studio 22" podcast, emphasizing the importance of mental well-being as a "24/7 job."
He expressed a desire to help others avoid similar mistakes, stating, "What I hope I can do is have made the mistakes for some other people, so they don’t have to make the same mistakes that I made." Gerber launched "Mental Health Mondays," a series aimed at encouraging discussions about recovery and emotional well-being.
In a since-deleted Instagram video from December 2025, Gerber detailed his use of medications such as buprenorphine, Xanax, and Valium, and spoke about experiencing numerous losses. He shared the video hoping to help others feel less alone and to find resources for support.
Gerber's parents and sister, Kaia Gerber, publicly supported his recovery efforts. Following his ibogaine treatment post, Cindy Crawford commented, "You are a warrior! Walked thru the fire to find yourself! So proud!" Rande Gerber wrote, "I’m so proud of you and your courage," and Kaia commented, "That’s my brother. I am so damn proud."
In an August Vogue cover story, Kaia Gerber reflected on her brother's "decade-long struggle with drug addiction" and its impact on their family, noting that such challenges can affect everyone. She also praised her brother for his vulnerability in sharing his experiences openly, contrasting with their family's traditionally private nature.