Presley Gerber death investigated as suspected overdose by Santa Monica Police

Presley Gerber died at 27 while staying at a rehabilitation facility in Los Angeles County, prompting a Santa Monica Police Department investigation into a suspected overdose. The model's cause of death remains deferred according to records from the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner, which stated the investigation is still ongoing with limited information available. This development follows months of public documentation by Gerber regarding his battle with addiction and mental health, culminating in his final post on August 5, 2026.

The positioning of Gerber's public narrative shifted significantly in March, when he shared a video of himself preparing for an ibogaine flood dose at a wellness clinic in Cancún, Mexico. Stanford Medicine notes that ibogaine is a naturally occurring psychedelic derived from the root bark of the Tabernanthe iboga shrub, with research suggesting it increases signaling of molecules linked to drug addiction and depression. The treatment is legal in some countries but not in the United States. Gerber described the experience as terrifying, writing that he faced what he had been running from and started finding his way back to himself. He indicated he was praying it would be the last time he needed to return for such treatment.

In the months leading up to his death, Gerber maintained a consistent presence on social media to advocate for openness around men's mental health. He launched a series called Mental Health Mondays in 2024 to spark conversations about hidden struggles. In November 2025, he temporarily stepped away from social media to focus on his own well-being, stating he was coming back stronger and more intentional. His public disclosures included details about his medication regimen, which he identified in a December 2025 video as including buprenorphine, Xanax, and Valium. He also mentioned seeing approximately 15 psychiatrists in his quest for direction. These disclosures were supported by his family, including his mother Cindy Crawford, father Rande Gerber, and sister Kaia Gerber, who commented on his courage and described him as a teacher for their family.

What to watch next is the conclusion of the Santa Monica Police Department's investigation into the suspected overdose. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner has not yet released a final cause of death, keeping the specific medical details of the event in a state of deferment. The family has requested privacy during this difficult time, limiting the flow of official statements. The focus remains on the legal and medical findings that will define the circumstances of his death at the rehabilitation facility.