In a poignant cover story for Vogue, published in August, Kaia Gerber shared her reflections on her brother Presley’s battle with addiction, shedding light on how his struggles profoundly impacted their family dynamics. The fashion model and actress, who is 24, opened up about the emotional strain placed on her and her family, especially in the wake of their parents’ protective nature regarding personal matters. Tragically, Presley Gerber passed away on September 20 at the age of 27, following a long and public struggle with drug addiction.
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Kaia, the daughter of renowned supermodel Cindy Crawford and businessman Rande Gerber, described the effect of her brother’s challenges on her own identity. In her candid discussion, she elaborated, “When something like that happens in a family, it kind of levels everyone,” indicating that it has been difficult for her to prioritise her personal needs amid the turmoil. She expressed that this situation led her to adopt the role of the “easy one” in the family, feeling reluctant to seek help and support for herself during such challenging times.
The Gerber family had typically maintained a low profile concerning personal issues, making Presley’s openness about his addiction refreshing to Kaia. She praised her brother for his willingness to be vulnerable publicly, saying, “There’s only so much you can hide from the world. Trying to put a lid on something just makes the person feel like you’re ashamed of them.” Despite their family’s history of privacy, Presley chose to address his issues head-on, a move that Kaia believes serves as a significant learning experience for others.
Kaia’s reflections come following a particularly difficult period for the Gerber family, as Presley had also spoken candidly about his mental health struggles. In a now-deleted Instagram video shared in December 2025, he disclosed that he had been prescribed various medications to manage his panic attacks, including Buprenorphine, Xanax, and Valium. He opened up about his recent losses, stating, “Unfortunately, I’ve had a lot of loss in many different forms recently, so that is not an excuse, but it’s the reason why I am where I’m at now.”
From an early age, both Presley and Kaia garnered attention in the fashion industry. Presley was signed by IMG Models at the age of 15, and by the time he was 17, he and Kaia were already making their mark on the runway, walking for prestigious brands like Dolce & Gabbana and Calvin Klein. Notably, Presley had once remarked that working alongside his sister made his experience in the fashion world “a lot less lonely.”
Their family bond extended beyond their careers, with Kaia proudly recalling their moments together in the spotlight. Just months before his death, Presley attended Kaia’s launch event for her RE/DONE x Kaia Gerber collection, showcasing their close-knit relationship in front of friends and family.
As the Gerber family navigates this devastating loss, Kaia’s willingness to share her story serves a dual purpose: to honour her brother’s memory while advocating for greater openness surrounding mental health and addiction issues. Both she and Presley have exemplified the importance of addressing such topics, particularly in an industry that often shies away from vulnerability.
In the wake of Presley Gerber’s death, the conversation surrounding mental health and addiction continues to resonate with many, highlighting the need for compassion and understanding. For those grappling with similar challenges, resources such as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) provide vital support services.
As the Gerber family faces a future without Presley, their journey underscores the profound effects of addiction not just on individuals but on families as well. Kaia’s voice, emerging from such personal loss, may pave the way for a broader dialogue about the importance of seeking help and fostering understanding in the face of adversity.