Cindy Crawford’s son, model Presley Gerber, dies at 27

Presley Gerber, a 27-year-old model and son of supermodel Cindy Crawford, was found dead Sunday morning at a rehabilitation facility in Santa Monica, California, following a suspected drug overdose, according to police and medical examiner records.

Officers with the Santa Monica Police Department responded to the facility after receiving an emergency call regarding an overdose. Detectives are conducting a death investigation, though authorities stated that preliminary evidence shows no indication of foul play.

Incident Overview

On Sunday, September 20, 2026, at approximately 9:35 a.m., Santa Monica police officers responded to an emergency call reporting a possible overdose at a rehabilitation facility located in Santa Monica, California. Upon arrival at the scene, responding personnel located a deceased male, later identified as 27-year-old Presley Gerber. Public records from the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner confirmed the location of death as a rehabilitation facility.

Detectives from the Santa Monica Police Department initiated an investigation into the circumstances surrounding Gerber death. Police officials issued a statement confirming that the incident is being investigated as a suspected overdose and noted that there is currently no indication of foul play. The medical examiner office assumed responsibility for conducting post-mortem examinations to establish the certified cause and manner of death.

Victim Information

Presley Gerber was a 27-year-old professional model and the eldest child of supermodel Cindy Crawford and businessman Rande Gerber, who married in 1998. Gerber worked in fashion alongside his younger sister, Kaia Gerber, appearing in campaigns for luxury brands including Dolce & Gabbana and Calvin Klein. In 2018, at age 18, he starred with his mother in an advertisement recreating her 1992 Pepsi Super Bowl commercial.

Gerber spoke publicly throughout his life regarding his personal struggles with depression and substance abuse. He launched a social media initiative titled Mental Health Mondays to foster open discussions about mental health challenges. In November, Gerber shared publicly that he was taking time to focus on his mental health. Following his death, family members requested privacy, while friends and colleagues shared tributes remembering his advocacy and character.

Police Response

Units from the Santa Monica Police Department responded to the report of a possible overdose at approximately 9:35 a.m. on September 20, 2026. Upon arriving at the Santa Monica rehabilitation facility, officers secured the immediate area, confirmed that the subject was deceased, and notified investigative personnel. Detectives arrived to process the scene, interview witnesses, and examine the location according to protocol for unattended death investigations.

Investigation

The Santa Monica Police Department and the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner are jointly conducting the ongoing investigation into Gerber death. Standard protocol for suspected overdose investigations involves evaluating the scene, reviewing facility records, and conducting interviews with witnesses and staff. The medical examiner is performing a comprehensive autopsy and toxicological screening to detect chemical substances or medications. Medical examiner staff noted that comprehensive toxicology results typically take several weeks to complete before a formal determination of cause and manner of death can be made.

Charges Filed

No criminal charges have been filed in connection with the death of Presley Gerber. Under standard legal practice in California, suspected accidental overdose deaths are handled as medical and death investigations unless evidence indicates criminal activity. Under state and federal statutes, criminal charges in fatal overdose events generally require evidence of criminal intent, unlawful acts, or illegal drug distribution directly resulting in death.

In situations where law enforcement uncovers evidence of unlawful drug distribution contributing to a fatal overdose, potential charges under state and federal law include:

• Distribution of a Controlled Substance: Under California Health and Safety Code statutes, illegal distribution or sale of controlled substances carries felony penalties, including state prison sentences and substantial fines depending on the classification of the substance.
• Federal Drug Delivery Resulting in Death: Under federal statute 21 U.S.C. Section 841, distributing a controlled substance that causes death or severe bodily injury carries statutory mandatory minimum sentences ranging from 20 years to life imprisonment upon conviction in federal court.
• Involuntary Manslaughter: Under California Penal Code Section 192(b), an individual who acts with gross negligence or commits an unlawful act causing another person death may face involuntary manslaughter charges, carrying statutory penalties of up to four years in prison.

Police authorities have emphasized that no evidence of foul play has been uncovered in Gerber death, and no suspects or criminal complaints exist in this case.

Court Information

Because no criminal charges or formal complaints have been filed by law enforcement or prosecutors, no judicial court case or docket number has been created regarding this matter. In California legal practice, court proceedings such as initial arraignments, preliminary hearings, or grand jury proceedings occur only if prosecuting agencies file formal criminal charges against a defendant.

Should an investigation yield evidence leading to formal criminal filings in a drug-related death, standard legal proceedings follow these sequential stages:

• Filing of Charges: Prosecutors review police investigation findings and submit a formal complaint or seek a grand jury indictment in the appropriate judicial district court.
• Arraignment: If charges are filed, a defendant appears before a superior court judge to hear formal charges, enter a plea, and address bail determinations.
• Preliminary Hearing: In felony cases, an evidentiary hearing is held where a judge determines whether sufficient probable cause exists to hold the defendant for trial.

At present, this matter remains solely under the administrative and forensic review of the Santa Monica Police Department and the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner.

Statements from Authorities

The Santa Monica Police Department issued a statement regarding their preliminary findings: "SMPD detectives are investigating the death as a suspected overdose. At this time, there is no indication of foul play." Police added that the official cause and manner of death will be determined by the medical examiner office upon completion of toxicological testing.

A statement issued on behalf of the Gerber family requested privacy following the loss: "The family asks for privacy during this very difficult and painful time." Additionally, public figures including Paris Hilton, Brooklyn Peltz Beckham, and Jason Kennedy published tributes honoring Gerber memory and acknowledging his open discussions regarding mental health struggles.

Public Safety Information

Substance use disorders and mental health challenges affect individuals and families across all communities, and support resources are accessible nationwide. Anyone experiencing emotional distress or substance use struggles can call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988, or access free, confidential assistance online at 988lifeline.org available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. In the event of a medical emergency or suspected drug overdose, members of the public should immediately call 911 for emergency medical intervention.

What Happens Next

The next steps in the investigation depend on the completion of forensic toxicological analysis by the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner. Once toxicological testing is finalized, the medical examiner will issue an official autopsy report and death certificate establishing the cause and manner of death. Santa Monica police detectives will review the medical examiner conclusions before finalizing their investigation into the incident.