The supermodel and her daughter, Kaia Gerber, share emotional tributes honoring Presley’s life, vulnerability, and legacy nearly one month after his passing.
October 25, 2026 | PARADIS Media Group
Supermodel Cindy Crawford has publicly addressed the heartbreaking loss of her son, Presley Gerber, who died on September 20, 2026, at the age of 27.
Nearly a month after his passing, Crawford shared an emotional tribute on Instagram on October 18, offering a glimpse into the family’s grief while celebrating the life of her eldest child.
Accompanying a black-and-white portrait of Presley photographed by Sebastián Faena, Crawford expressed the family’s devastation and gratitude for the years they shared together.
“We are beyond heartbroken to lose our beloved son and brother,” the family wrote, remembering Presley as a young man whose kindness, sensitivity, and vulnerability touched those around him.
The statement, signed by Crawford, her husband Rande Gerber, and their daughter Kaia, also thanked friends, loved ones, and members of the public for their compassion during an extraordinarily difficult period.
Kaia Gerber Remembers Her Brother
Presley’s younger sister, model and actress Kaia Gerber, shared her own deeply personal tribute, reflecting on the bond they shared throughout childhood and adulthood.
Through family photographs, a childhood video, and a heartfelt written message, Kaia described the difficulty of navigating a world without her older brother.
Her words captured the complicated reality of grief: learning to preserve a connection with someone whose physical presence is gone, while holding onto the memories that remain.
The tribute offered a rare and intimate perspective on a family whose lives have unfolded under public scrutiny for decades.
A Life Beyond the Spotlight
Born into one of fashion’s most recognizable families, Presley Gerber followed his mother and sister into the modeling industry, establishing a career that included campaigns for Calvin Klein and appearances on international runways.
His work placed him alongside some of the industry’s leading fashion houses, including Dolce & Gabbana and Moschino.
Beyond modeling, Presley had also spoken publicly about his struggles with mental health and substance use, discussing personal experiences in an effort to connect with and support others facing similar challenges.
His willingness to discuss difficult subjects became an important part of how he presented himself to the world, beyond the public image associated with his famous family.
Questions Surrounding His Passing
Presley died at a sober living residence in Santa Monica, California, on September 20.
Authorities investigated his death as a suspected drug overdose. At the time of the family’s October 18 tribute, the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner had not yet issued a final determination regarding the official cause and manner of death.
His passing also prompted questions about oversight and operations at the residence where he had been staying, with California health officials examining whether the facility was providing services requiring state licensing.
Remembering Presley Gerber
For Cindy Crawford and her family, the public tribute was ultimately about more than a loss that made headlines. It was an opportunity to remember Presley as a son, brother, and individual whose life extended far beyond his professional achievements.
Their words emphasized the qualities they valued most in him: his openness, compassion, and willingness to be vulnerable.
As tributes continue, Presley’s story also serves as a reminder of the importance of compassion, mental health awareness, and support for individuals experiencing addiction.
For a family accustomed to the public eye, their most recent message was deeply personal: a farewell filled with love, gratitude, and remembrance.
Sources: Los Angeles Times, October 18, 2026; CBS Los Angeles; NBC Los Angeles.
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