Sober Living Home Investigated After Presley Gerber's Death
California regulators found no violations at the facility where the model died.
A sober living home where model Presley Gerber died at age 27 from a suspected overdose has been investigated but found to be operating without violations, according to California's Department of Health Care Services (DHCS).
Gerber passed away on September 20 at Resolutions Living in Santa Monica after checking in the night prior. Following his death, an individual unrelated to Gerber filed a complaint with the DHCS, prompting a review of the facility. The department's investigation aimed to determine if the program was providing services that would necessitate a state license.
The DHCS concluded that Resolutions Living was not engaged in unlicensed substance use disorder treatment and did not identify any activities requiring licensure. The matter has since been closed. A spokesperson for the DHCS clarified that while the facility is not listed as a licensed substance use disorder residential treatment facility, it appears to operate as a sober living environment or recovery residence. Such environments are not licensed or overseen by the DHCS, as they are not permitted to offer services requiring state licensure. However, they may be subject to local permits, clearances, and business taxes.
This review comes after it was reported that the same sober house had experienced another overdose incident approximately seven months before Gerber's death. The complaint lodged with the DHCS reportedly questioned whether the facility was operating beyond the scope of sober living and if it admitted individuals requiring a higher level of care than it could provide. Specifically, the complaint raised concerns about whether an individual under the influence was admitted to a sober living residence not equipped to handle their needs and whether Resolutions Living was offering regulated addiction treatment or recovery services beyond the purview of sober housing.
These concerns were amplified by a previous report suggesting Gerber did not appear sober upon checking into the facility. Sources close to the investigation indicated that the admissions officer who accepted Gerber into the facility has since been fired.
Reports also surfaced that staff at Resolutions Living have begun resigning, and some residents have left the facility since Gerber's passing. Sources cited declining morale at the home for at least a year.
Police had previously responded to a call from Resolutions Living on February 18 concerning another patient who suffered an overdose. The woman was revived with multiple doses of Narcan. Officers determined no further medical treatment was necessary for the patient at that time.
Gerber, the son of Cindy Crawford and Rande Gerber, had documented his final hours in a video taken at the facility the evening before his death. In the footage, he appeared visibly under the influence and provided a solo tour of the residence. Sources alleged that Gerber had used drugs earlier on the day he entered the facility, and his sober coach had informed the facility of his condition when arranging for his admission as a temporary measure before a planned transfer to a rehab facility.
Gerber had been open about his struggles with drug addiction and mental health for over a decade. His parents, Cindy Crawford and Rande Gerber, released a statement expressing their heartbreak and pride in their son's kindness and vulnerability. His sister, Kaia Gerber, also shared a heartfelt tribute on social media.