Cindy Crawford Opened Up About ‘Empty Nesting’ in Interview Published 10 Days Before Son Presley’s Death

In a tragic turn of events, Presley Gerber, the son of renowned supermodel Cindy Crawford and businessman Rande Gerber, has died at the age of 27. His passing occurred at a rehabilitation facility on Sunday, September 20, 2023, as confirmed by records from the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner.

Presley, who had openly discussed his struggles with mental health, had been a public advocate for others facing similar challenges. In a revealing interview published just over a week prior to his death, Crawford shared her thoughts on parenting adult children and the transition to an empty nest. The model’s comments highlight the complex emotions that arise when children grow up and begin to forge their own paths.

Cindy Crawford and Rande Gerber, who have been married for nearly three decades, are also parents to daughter Kaia Gerber. In an interview with PORTER magazine, Crawford contemplated the changes to family dynamics as her children transitioned into adulthood. “When they become adults, all of a sudden you’re like, okay, I’ve got to back off here,” she explained. “It might not be the way I would do it, but you know.”

The model also discussed the impact of becoming empty nesters on her marriage, stating, “It’s an opportunity for us to redefine our relationship.” She expressed curiosity about the future, raising questions about travel and lifestyle that she and her husband would face as they moved into this new chapter together.

Crawford reflected fondly on her own upbringing, attributing her values in parenting to the influence of her mother. Her aspirations for her children include the hope that they will one day have families of their own. “One thing I really am looking forward to is being a grandmother,” she shared. “It looks really fun.”

While Kaia has recently sparked dating rumours with Marvel star Lewis Pullman, Presley’s final public relationship was with model Lexi Wood, which ended in late 2022. Over the past few years, Presley had been candid about his mental health journey. He expressed a desire to use his experiences to help others, stating in a February 2023 interview on the Studio 22 podcast that he aimed to assist anyone who might be struggling in a similar manner.

He also revealed the various medications he was prescribed to manage his mental health, including Buprenorphine, Xanax, and Valium, in a now-deleted Instagram video from December 2025. These revelations underscore the seriousness of his battles and highlight the ongoing conversation surrounding mental health issues and the importance of support and understanding.

Following his untimely passing, an autopsy has yet to be completed, leaving many unanswered questions surrounding the circumstances of his death. In a statement to PEOPLE magazine, a representative for the Gerber family requested privacy during this challenging time.

Presley’s death has prompted an outpouring of grief across social media platforms, with fans and supporters reflecting on his journey and the impact he had made, even amidst his struggles. His legacy may serve as a poignant reminder of the importance of addressing mental health and the critical need for support networks.

For anyone who may be facing similar challenges, resources are available. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) offers a helpline at 1-800-662-HELP for those needing assistance.

As friends, family, and fans mourn the loss of Presley Gerber, the focus remains on supporting one another in the face of adversity and continuing the conversation about mental health resilience.