Cindy Crawford praised 'warrior son' months before tragic death aged 27

Presley Gerber, the son of supermodel Cindy Crawford and businessman Rande Gerber, has passed away at the age of 27.

He died at a rehab facility on Sunday (20 September), according to the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner. A representative for his parents then confirmed the sad news.

"The family is asking for privacy during this very difficult and painful time," Allie Jenkins said in a short statement to the BBC.

Presley's cause of death has not been disclosed.

The model and mental health advocate is the eldest child of Crawford and Gerber, who made his runway debut in his teen years.

Presley pictured in January this year (Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic)

He worked with a host of big brands, including the likes of Burberry, Bottega Veneta, Moschino, Celine, Calvin Klein, Dolce & Gabbana and Pepsi.

Presley also appeared on the cover of Vogue, like his sister Kaia, who is an actress known for her roles in American Horror Story, Saturday Night and The Shards.

He previously opened up about his struggles with substance abuse and mental health issues, telling the Studio 22 podcast in 2023: "Having struggled with mental health, depression and some other things that come along with that, I think that whether I help one person or a hundred people get out of that place that I was in at one point in my life, that's all I need to do."

Presley previously shared a poignant Instagram post in December last year, where he explained that working out and avoiding alcohol had helped him.

The 27-year-old and his sister Kaia both modelled like their famous mum (Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)

He said he hoped to find friends who were a 'good influence' on him, adding: "As I've grown up in Hollywood, there’s a lot of people around me that I love to death, but right now I try not to be around them."

The model explained he wanted his message to 'reach people in many ways', saying: "A. So you feel like you’re not alone, because that is how I feel most of the time and I have a feeling that if I say all of this, a lot of people will at least know that there's someone else going through it,” he said.

“And the second thing is, hopefully I find some people out here and are willing to help or know someone that can help."

Presley's loved ones have also previously shared their support for him on social media, with his mum Cindy dubbing him a 'warrior' in March this year.

Making his family 'proud'

After he shared an Instagram post a few months back, his 60-year-old model mother wrote in the comment section: "You are a warrior! Walked thru the fire to find yourself! So proud!"

"That's my brother," Kaia added. "I am so damn proud."

While his father Rande, who co-founded Casamigos alongside George Clooney, said: "I'm so proud of you and your courage.

"Facing what's hard takes real strength and watching you find your way back to yourself is everything. I love you so much."

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