Cindy Crawford and her daughter, Kaia Gerber, have shared deeply emotional tributes to Presley Gerber, nearly one month after his death at age 27. The supermodel, her husband Rande Gerber, and their daughter broke their public silence on October 18, remembering Presley as a loving son, protective older brother, and someone whose kindness left a lasting impression on those around him.
Presley, who followed his famous mother into the modeling industry, died on September 20, 2026, at a rehabilitation facility in Santa Monica, California. His death is being investigated as a suspected overdose, although an official cause of death has not been announced.
© Getty ImagesCindy Crawford Remembers Son Presley Gerber in Emotional Statement
Crawford, 60, shared a black-and-white portrait of Presley on Instagram, accompanied by a joint family statement signed by herself, Rande, and Kaia.
The photograph, taken by fashion photographer Sebastián Faena, featured Presley with angel wings. The tribute also included his birth and death dates, July 2, 1999, and September 20, 2026.
© Steve GranitzThe family began by expressing their heartbreak and gratitude for the 27 years they shared with Presley. They described him as a "sweet, beautiful soul" and praised his kindness and vulnerability, choosing to focus on the person they knew and loved rather than the circumstances surrounding his death.
The statement also acknowledged the overwhelming support the family has received from friends, loved ones, and strangers. "Til we meet again our sweet boy," the family wrote, concluding with a promise of everlasting love from Mom, Dad, and Kaia.
© Steve GranitzIt was the family's first major public tribute following Presley's death.
Kaia Gerber Shares Heartbreaking Letter to Her Older Brother
While Crawford's tribute represented the entire family, Kaia, 25, shared a separate and intensely personal letter dedicated to her only sibling. The actress and model posted childhood photographs and a video of herself with Presley, reflecting on the special relationship they shared from an early age.
© Penske MediaAddressing him affectionately as "Prez," Kaia admitted that she was struggling to find words capable of expressing the magnitude of her grief. She described being Presley's younger sister as one of the most meaningful parts of her identity. "You know how much I loved being your sister," she wrote, calling it her favorite thing about herself. Throughout the tribute, Kaia remembered Presley as her protector, teacher, and closest companion.
One particularly moving passage recalled a childhood memory in which she was afraid to have her ears pierced. Presley volunteered to go first, something she said reflected how he had always looked out for her. That memory took on a devastating new meaning after his death. "And I really f--king wish you hadn't gone first this time," she wrote.
Kaia Gerber Says Her Love for Presley Will Never Change
Kaia's tribute also explored the difficulty of maintaining a connection with someone after losing them. She reflected on ordinary moments she would no longer experience, including calling Presley to tell him something or reaching for him when she needed her older brother.
Despite her grief, Kaia made it clear that she would never trade the years they shared. "I was born loving you. I will die loving you," she wrote in one of the letter's most emotional passages.
In the accompanying caption, Kaia expressed her love for her brother, writing that it would endure "to the moon and back and back again." The post was set to the song “First I Was” by Jake Minch. According to Kaia, the song held a deeply personal significance because it was connected to the last conversation she had with Presley.
What Happened to Presley Gerber?
Presley Walker Gerber was born on July 2, 1999, to Cindy Crawford and businessman Rande Gerber. Like his mother and younger sister, he pursued a career in fashion, working with luxury brands including Burberry, Dolce & Gabbana, and Bottega Veneta.
Despite growing up in the public eye, Presley had also experienced personal challenges. He previously spoke publicly about mental health and substance use, subjects that his family has addressed in interviews.
On September 20, Presley died at a rehabilitation facility in Santa Monica.
© VarietyAuthorities have investigated his death as a suspected overdose. However, toxicology and autopsy findings were still pending as of October 19, and the medical examiner had not publicly confirmed the cause of death.
Following his death, the family initially requested privacy while grieving.
