Presley Gerber, son of supermodel Cindy Crawford, dies aged 27
Presley Gerber, the only son of Cindy Crawford and Rande Gerber, has tragically passed away at the age of 27.
Presley died on Sunday (20 September), according to the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner.
His devastated family confirmed the sad news to TMZ, with a representative saying: "The family is asking for privacy during this very difficult and painful time."
An autopsy has not yet been carried out.
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The medical examiner’s report states that Presley died at a rehab facility.
Like his famous mum, Presley worked as a model, getting his first break for Italian label Moschino when he was just a teen before going on to walk for Burberry, Bottega Veneta, Tommy Hilfiger and Ralph Lauren.
In later years, he was open about his struggles with his mental health and substance abuse.
Presley is the older brother of model and actress Kaia, 25.
Last month, his sister publicly commented on her brother’s battle with addiction in an interview with Vogue.
Kaia told the publication: “When something like that happens in a family, it kind of levels everyone.
“I think that’s also why I started to self-identify as the easy one and never wanted to ask for help. Because it felt like too much to have two children who were needing.”
Speaking on the Studio 22 podcast three years ago, Presley said: “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.”
He went on to say that he had learned a lot and that he hoped he could prevent others from making similar mistakes when it came to their own lives.
“[Mental health] is an issue. It is such a big part of my life. It’s a 24/7 job, and there’s so much to it,” Presley continued.
“That’s really what I want to do: help people, whether you’re depressed, you’re struggling with something that is having a negative effect on your body. I mean it could be anything, and there’s no judgment.”
He added: “I’ve seen a lot of stuff and I’ve learned a lot of things. What I hope I can do is have made the mistakes for some other people, so they don’t have to make the same mistakes that I made.”
Presley also began sharing ‘Mental Health Mondays’ videos onto his social media, in which he gave updates and insights into his life.
During that same interview with Vogue, Kaia heaped praise on her brother for being so open when it came to speaking about his life.
She shared: “My parents for most of our lives were very, very private and didn’t share anything — and now we have this absolute teacher, my brother, who says, ‘I’m gonna be very human for everyone.’ There’s only so much you can hide from the world.
“And trying to put a lid on something just makes the person feel like you’re ashamed of them.”
Among the many tributes was Paris Hilton, who said she was 'completely heartbroken' by the tragic news.
“I still can’t believe this is real,” she wrote on her Instagram Story. “Presley, you were such a beautiful soul. So sweet, sensitive, kind and genuine. I cared about you so much, and I’m going to miss you more than words can say.
“I’ll always cherish the memories we shared – the laughs, the conversations, and just being around you. You had such a gentle heart and there was something so special about you that anyone who was lucky enough to know you could feel.
“I hope you knew how deeply loved you were and how many people cared about you.
“My heart is with your entire family during this unimaginable time.
“Rest in peace, my friend. Love you forever. You will be so deeply missed.”
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If you're experiencing distressing thoughts and feelings, the Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) is there to support you. They're open from 5pm–midnight, 365 days a year. Their national number is 0800 58 58 58 and they also have a webchat service if you're not comfortable talking on the phone.
Topics: Celebrity
Claire Reid