Presley Gerber was open about his struggles with addiction and mental health as he navigated his life in the public eye with his famous family.
“The most free I felt was when I was finally honest with myself,” Presley shared in June 2026 at a We Are ENOUGH x Aviator Nation launch event. “Move your body regardless of how you’re feeling. Get outside. Get some sun. If you don’t feel like moving, lay on the grass.”
The appearance would ultimately be Presley’s last before his death on September 20, 2026. According to the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner, Cindy Crawford and Rande Gerber’s son died in a rehab facility. He was 27.
“The family is asking for privacy during this very difficult and painful time,” the Gerber family said in a statement to Us at the time.
Kaia Gerber and her late older brother, Presley Gerber, helped each other navigate the modeling industry and supported each other through difficult times before Presley’s sudden death. Us confirmed in September 2026 that Presley died in a rehab facility, according to records obtained online through the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner. He was 27 years […]
Keep reading to see some of Presley’s most candid comments about his addiction and health.
Presley Gerber’s Mental Health
In a February 2023 episode of the “Studio 22” podcast, Presley explained that he wanted to share his struggles with mental health and depression to help others dealing with similar issues.
“Whether I help one person or a 100 people get out of that place that I was in at one point in my life, that’s all I need to do,” Presley shared. “I’ve had a lot of time to look into myself and learn about myself with therapists.”
He continued, “I’ve seen a lot of stuff, and I’ve learned a lot of things, and 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 Gerber’s Recent Treatments
Presley Gerber Frazer Harrison/Getty Images
In one of his final Instagram posts before his death, Presley recalled undergoing treatment for his health.
“Pre Ibogaine Flood Dose — quiet moment before everything changed. I was absolutely terrified, and I knew I would be again if I ever had to face something like this (helps to not go into the situations you do that get ya there, but that’s life sometimes),” Presley wrote via Instagram in March 2026. “Letting go of control didn’t come easy, but I trusted there was something bigger than me guiding it. I knew why I was there. I faced what I had been running from, and somewhere in all of it, I started finding my way back to myself 🤍…. We shall see…. Praying it’s the last time I have to come back.”
According to the University of Virginia School of Medicine, Ibogaine is a naturally occurring psychoactive alkaloid derived from the root of Tabernanthe iboga, a shrub native to Central Africa. It has garnered attention for its potential in treating substance use disorders, particularly opioid and alcohol dependence.
Presley Gerber’s Struggles With Addiction
In late 2025, Presley shared a since-deleted social media video and revealed he was taking various medications to treat his addiction and depression.
“I’m just looking for a doctor that’s going to actually help me taper,” he said of the drugs. “Every psychiatrist I’ve had, and I’ve had like 15, they’re all like, ‘Well, here’s 20 medications.’ I’m just trying to, hopefully, find a good community.”
Cindy Crawford has always put her family first on her way to becoming one of the industry’s most legendary models. Crawford and Rande Gerber, who tied the knot in 1998, share son Presley Gerber and daughter Kaia Gerber. Both children have followed in their mother’s footsteps. “I could help guide her and help her navigate,” […]
Presley Gerber’s Family Support
Through the ups and downs of his addiction and mental health, Presley had the support of his sister, Kaia Gerber, and their parents.
“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,’” Kaia told Vogue in August 2026. “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.”
When Presley publicly shared his journey with Ibogaine, both Cindy Crawford and Rande Garber expressed their support.
“You are a warrior! Walked thru the fire to find yourself! So proud! 🙏,” Cindy commented.
Rande added, “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❤️ .”
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org.
