Model Presley Gerber, Son of Cindy Crawford, Dies at 27; Friends Remember His "Gentle Heart"

Presley Gerber, the 27-year-old model and son of supermodel Cindy Crawford and businessman Rande Gerber, passed away on Sunday at a rehabilitation facility, according to records from the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner. Following his death, friends and family have begun sharing personal reflections on the individual they knew, mourning the loss of a young life.

Heartfelt Tributes from Close Friends

Among those expressing profound sorrow was entrepreneur and socialite Paris Hilton, who described Gerber as a "beautiful soul" and emphasized how much he "will be so deeply missed."

"Presley, you were such a beautiful soul. So sweet, sensitive, kind and genuine," Hilton shared. "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."

She continued, conveying her hope that he understood the extent of affection for him. "I hope you knew how deeply loved you were and how many people cared about you," Hilton wrote, extending her condolences to his family. "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."

Photographer Brooklyn Beckham also offered a tribute via his Instagram story, expressing his deep sadness. "I am so heartbroken," Beckham stated. "Presley you were the kindest and we are going to miss you so much x we love you."

The comments section of Gerber's final social media post also saw an outpouring of grief. Television personality Brody Jenner wrote, "love you brother," accompanied by emojis depicting a dove and a broken heart. Reality star Khloé Kardashian added, "Praying for your family," while social media influencer Chase Keith simply commented, "Rest in peace man."

A Family's Perspective and Openness

His sister, model Kaia Gerber, previously spoke about her brother's candid nature in an August interview. Reflecting on their upbringing, she noted a shift from their parents' traditionally private approach.

"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 Gerber told the publication. "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."

In recent years, Presley Gerber himself had openly discussed his personal struggles with mental health and addiction. He had expressed a desire that his transparency might serve to assist others contending with similar challenges.

A Career in Fashion

Following in his renowned mother's footsteps, Gerber embarked on a modeling career during his teenage years. He signed with IMG Models at the age of 15 and made his debut on the runway for Moschino in 2016. He rapidly built an impressive portfolio within the fashion industry, participating in prominent runway shows and featuring in various advertising campaigns.

His campaign work included collaborations with luxury brands such as Dolce & Gabbana, Celine, and Calvin Klein, notably appearing alongside his sister in a Calvin Klein advertisement. Beyond high fashion, Gerber also partnered with Pepsi, co-starring with his mother, Cindy Crawford, in a 2018 Super Bowl commercial that paid homage to her iconic association with the beverage company.