Cindy Crawford Said She Was ‘So Proud’ Her Kids ‘Love Each Other’ in PEOPLE Interview Months Before Son Presley’s Death

Tragedy has struck the Gerber family, as Presley Gerber, a 27-year-old model and son of supermodel Cindy Crawford and businessman Rande Gerber, has passed away at a rehabilitation facility in Los Angeles. His death on Sunday, 20th September, has been confirmed through records from the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner, highlighting the ongoing struggle with mental health and substance abuse that Presley was openly candid about prior to his untimely demise.

In the wake of his death, a representative for the Gerber family released a statement requesting privacy during this particularly painful period. The family unit, which includes Presley’s sister, Kaia Gerber, is known for their close bond, a sentiment expressed by Crawford just months prior in a reflective interview with PEOPLE. The mother of two shared her admiration for the sibling relationship between Presley and Kaia, stating nothing brings her greater pride than observing their love and care for one another.

In her May interview, Crawford recalled a recent family collaboration for a Vuori clothing campaign, where she had the opportunity to work alongside both of her children. “It was an amazing experience,” she said, noting the joy of spending quality time with her family while also creating something meaningful together. The intimacy of the family shoot allowed Crawford and her husband to witness the chemistry and affection between their children, a moment she expressed as incredibly rewarding.

Crawford also spoke of the transition into an “empty nester” phase of life, as both of her children have entered adulthood. She revealed that while the priorities of parenthood will always remain, this new chapter allows for more focus on her relationship with Rande. Despite enjoying this phase, she expressed that the love for her children persists strongly.

While details regarding the cause of Presley’s death remain unclear, it has been reported that an autopsy has yet to be completed. His struggles with mental health and addiction were subjects he openly discussed, aiming to share his experiences in the hope of helping others facing similar battles. During a podcast appearance in early 2023, he spoke candidly about the importance of mental health, describing it as a continuous and demanding journey.

In one of his last social media updates, Presley shared his experiences with psychedelic treatment for addiction, indicating a personal commitment to overcoming his challenges. Tragically, his journey also included personal setbacks, such as a DUI charge in December 2019 and a facial tattoo reading “MISUNDERSTOOD,” which he later sought to remove.

His sister, Kaia, who is also a well-known model, has occasionally shared her perspectives on coping with the family’s struggles with addiction. A month before Presley’s passing, she discussed in Vogue how such challenges can have profound effects on family dynamics, admitting that she often felt the need to shoulder burden on her own. “When something like that happens in a family, it kind of levels everyone,” she reflected, recognising the complexity of feelings within the family unit.

Presley Gerber’s death is a stark reminder of the vital importance of mental health awareness and the ongoing battle many face with addiction. It underscores the need for open discussions surrounding these issues, particularly within family contexts. For those seeking support, resources such as the SAMHSA helpline are available, offering assistance and guidance to individuals struggling with substance abuse.

This tragic development highlights not only the loss of a promising young talent but also serves as a wake-up call regarding the seriousness of mental health challenges that affect many individuals and their families. As the Gerber family mourns, they also remind us to continue advocating for kindness, understanding, and support for those grappling with similar hardships.