Cindy Crawford shared an emotional tribute to her son, Presley Gerber, after his death at age 27, describing him as a beloved family member whose kindness and vulnerability left a lasting impression.
The supermodel posted a message on Instagram from the family reflecting on the loss and the years they were fortunate enough to share with him.
“We are beyond heartbroken to lose our beloved son and brother. We feel so blessed to have had Presley in our lives for 27 years,” she wrote on October 18.
“He is a sweet, beautiful soul who loved and is loved, now and forever. We are so proud of how he showed up in the world, with kindness and vulnerability. We are grateful for the outpouring of love and support from so many who know and love our family and even strangers who feel our pain. Til we meet again our sweet boy. We love you forever, Mom, Dad and Kaia.”
Presley died on September 20 at a rehabilitation facility, with the Santa Monica Police Department citing a suspected overdose. Following his death, the family asked for privacy as they grieved.
His younger sister, model Kaia Gerber, have also paid tribute to Presley in deeply personal messages.
“My best buddy, my great protector, the hardest I’ve ever laughed and the one true love of my life,” she wrote.
“You know how much i loved being your sister. it has always been, and will forever be, my favorite thing about myself. i came into this world with a white-knuckle grip around you. i had more love for you than i knew what to do with,” she wrote.
Presley Gerber‘s tragic death at 27
She closed her message by saying: “i love you the bluest, to the moon and back and back again, forever big brother.”
Born on July 2, 1999, Presley followed in his mother’s footsteps by pursuing a career in modeling.
Away from his career, Presley also spoke publicly about his struggles with mental health and drug use.
He launched an Instagram series called “Mental Health Mondays,” intended to create space for more honest discussions about mental health. In November 2025, he explained why he had temporarily stepped away from posting.
“It’s been a minute since I’ve posted – I had to take a step back and take care of my own mental health for a bit. But I’m coming back soon – stronger, clearer, more intentional than ever.
“When I started Mental Health Mondays, the goal was to spark real conversations about the stuff most people hide. It’s been incredible seeing how far that message has spread and how many people it’s helped.”
Where to get help
On the topic of mental health, don’t be afraid to ask for help. If you, or someone you know, is struggling, you can call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org. You can also reach the Crisis Text Line by texting MHA to 741741, or contact the SAMHSA Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990.
If your distress feels unbearable, or if you have suicidal thoughts or plans, contact a psychiatric emergency unit immediately or call 911.
For more information about available resources, visit Mental Health America at mhanational.org.
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