Presley Gerber spoke candidly about facing what he’d ‘been running from’ just months before death at 27: ‘I was absolutely terrified’

Presley Gerber had spoken openly about his addiction battle and his efforts to turn his life around months before his death at 27. The son of supermodel Cindy Crawford and businessman Rande Gerber died Sunday, September 20, at a rehabilitation facility in California, according to the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner. His cause of death has not been disclosed, and an autopsy is pending. The Presley Gerber death came months after he shared a deeply personal glimpse into his recovery journey, revealing that he had traveled to Cancun, Mexico, for ibogaine treatment.

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Presley Gerber said he was facing what he had ‘been running from’

In March, Presley Gerber shared footage from a wellness clinic in Cancun, where he underwent an ibogaine treatment as part of his efforts to confront his addiction. Before the treatment, Gerber wrote about being frightened by what was ahead.


“Pre ibogaine flood dose – quiet moment before everything changed,” he wrote. “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.) (my mantras were love yourself and lis gotta be the last time for this reason.”

He continued: “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. Next time I’d like to choose.” Gerber also thanked the team at the facility, describing them as “incredible, caring [and] kind." The post received messages of support from Presley Gerber’s family.

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His sister, model and actor Kaia Gerber, wrote: “You are a warrior,” Crawford said. Cindy Crawford also praised her son, writing: “Walked thru the fire to find yourself. So proud!”

“Love you mama,” Presley replied. His father, Rande Gerber, also expressed his pride. “I’m so proud of you and your courage,” he wrote. “Facing what’s hard takes real strength and watching you find your way back to yourself is everything. I love you so much.” The family’s support came as Presley Gerber continued to speak publicly about his struggles with addiction and mental health.

Presley Gerber had spoken about his addiction for years

Gerber had been open about his struggles with substance use and prescription medication dependency. In 2024, he revealed that he had battled a severe, multi-year opiate addiction and experienced a near-fatal fentanyl overdose that left him in a coma for several days.

He also discussed his dependence on prescription medication and said he had seen more than 15 psychiatrists, claiming that he had been heavily medicated without receiving what he felt was a structured recovery direction.

In a later video, Gerber discussed medications including antidepressants and Xanax, while also reflecting on the losses he had experienced. “Unfortunately, I’ve had a lot of loss in many different forms recently,” he said.

“So that is not an excuse, but it’s the reason why I am where I’m at now.” Kaia Gerber also spoke about her brother's long-running struggle in a September 2026 Vogue interview, describing it as a “decade-long struggle with drug addiction.” “When something like that happens in a family, it kind of levels everyone,” Kaia said.

What is ibogaine that Presley Gerber used?

Ibogaine is a psychoactive compound derived from the root bark of the West African shrub Tabernanthe iboga. Gerber traveled to Mexico for the treatment, according to reports about his March post.

Research has examined ibogaine as a potential treatment for substance use and other conditions. Stanford Medicine researchers have also studied its potential effects on veterans with traumatic brain injuries, including changes in symptoms such as depression, anxiety and functioning. That research does not establish ibogaine as a proven treatment for addiction or explain Gerber’s death.

The Presley Gerber death was announced on September 20 after he died at a rehabilitation facility. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner has not released a cause of death, and authorities are awaiting further examination.

Gerber, who was Cindy Crawford and Rande Gerber's only son, began modeling as a teenager. He made his runway debut for Moschino in 2016 and later worked with fashion brands including Calvin Klein and Dolce & Gabbana.

His death has brought renewed attention to the candid way Presley Gerber had spoken about addiction and recovery, including his hope that the March treatment would help him find his way back to himself.