George Clooney has spoken publicly about the heartbreaking death of Presley Gerber, the 27-year-old son of supermodel Cindy Crawford and businessman Rande Gerber, describing the loss as one of the most devastating experiences for their close-knit circle of friends.
Presley reportedly died following a suspected drug overdose after suffering cardiac arrest at a Santa Monica sober-living facility on September 20.
Clooney Calls Presley’s Death Devastating for the Family
The 65-year-old actor addressed the tragedy while attending The Albies, an awards ceremony he hosted in London on Friday. During an interview with Entertainment Tonight, Clooney expressed his sympathy for the grieving family.
“Quite honestly, it's one of the most devastating things that's happened to our family,” he said, adding that the loss was equally painful for Presley’s relatives.
© GettyClooney went on to describe the death of a loved one as one of the worst things a family can experience.
Following Presley’s passing, a source told the Daily Mail that Clooney was deeply affected by the news and was struggling with the tragedy.
Another insider told People that Clooney, his wife Amal, and several of their close friends had been taking turns staying with the Gerber family to ensure they were not left alone during the difficult period.
George and Amal Clooney Rally Around the Gerber Family
According to sources, George and Amal traveled to Los Angeles after learning of Presley’s death to offer support to his grieving relatives.
The couple reportedly helped with funeral arrangements and other matters as the family navigated the immediate aftermath of the loss.
© GettyClooney has maintained a longstanding friendship with Crawford and Gerber, and his connection to the family extends to their children, Presley and his sister, Kaia Gerber.
The actor’s close relationship with the family has reportedly made the tragedy particularly difficult for him and his wife.
Clooney and Rande Gerber Share Business History
Clooney and Gerber have been friends for years and previously worked together on a successful business venture.
In 2013, the pair partnered with real estate developer Mike Meldman to launch Casamigos Tequila. The brand quickly gained popularity before being sold in 2017 in a deal valued at approximately $1 billion.
Their longstanding friendship has continued beyond their business partnership, with Clooney remaining close to Gerber and his family over the years.
Presley Gerber Filmed Himself Hours Before His Death
In the days following Presley’s death, footage reportedly showing his final hours emerged.
The video, obtained by TMZ, was filmed at Resolutions Living, a sober-living residence in Santa Monica, on the evening before his death.
Presley had reportedly checked into the facility only the night before he was found unresponsive following cardiac arrest on September 20.
© GetttyIn the footage, recorded at approximately 10 p.m. on Saturday, he appeared to give a solo tour of the residence. He wore a white undershirt that revealed several prominent tattoos, along with a silver chain necklace and black-framed glasses.
His eyes appeared glassy in the recording, prompting concerns about his condition. During the video, he moved the camera around a bedroom and several other areas of the facility, apparently without anyone else present.
Reports Detail Presley’s Final Hours Before Entering Rehab
According to sources cited by TMZ, Presley had allegedly used drugs on Saturday afternoon and subsequently became worried that he was losing control of his substance use.
His sober coach reportedly contacted Resolutions Living to ask whether the facility could accommodate him. Sources familiar with the situation claimed the coach informed staff that Presley was under the influence when the request was made.
The facility’s admissions officer reportedly agreed to accept him.
© Rodin EckenrothAccording to the same reports, the sober coach had intended to take Presley to a rehabilitation center on the following Monday. In the meantime, he sought a temporary place where Presley could stay over the weekend and ultimately brought him to Resolutions Living.
Sources further alleged that Presley continued using drugs while at the sober-living residence. They speculated that he may have viewed the weekend as his last opportunity to use substances before beginning rehabilitation on Monday.
These accounts of Presley’s final hours have emerged as his family and friends mourn his death. The reported circumstances surrounding his passing have also drawn attention to the challenges he may have faced with substance use before the fatal incident.
