Cindy Crawford’s Son Spent ‘10 Years’ Trying To Understand What Happened To Him

Before Presley Gerber followed Cindy Crawford into modeling, his days revolved around sports, surfing, and spending hours in the ocean. The Cindy Crawford’s Son Spent ‘10 Years’ Trying To Understand What Happened To Him first appeared on The Blast

Before Presley Gerber followed Cindy Crawford into modeling, his days revolved around sports, surfing, and spending hours in the ocean. Presley later identified the loss of that physically active routine as a turning point in his life. Once work demanded more of his time, he said he exercised less, began taking additional medication, and watched his quality of life deteriorate.

Modeling dramatically changed Presley’s life, replacing the active routine that had once kept him grounded. However, Presley did not claim that modeling alone caused his mental health or substance-use struggles. Instead, he described a complicated transition from a relatively carefree childhood into the responsibilities, pressures, and medical treatment that followed.

Presley Gerber Grew Up In The Water

Presley was raised in Malibu, California, where surfing and skating were central parts of his childhood. In a July 2025 Instagram video, he described himself as a dedicated athlete who once spent hours in the water nearly every day. The routine gave Presley something consistent to focus on. His immediate concerns were simple: eating, returning to the ocean, and staying active. That lifestyle changed when he began working as a teenager.

“For me it took 10 years of looking back at my life being like, ‘Well, what changed?’ A lot of the time people would ask like, ‘You were such a happy kid; what happened to you?’” Presley recalled, according to The Associated Press.

“What happened was life happened, and I wasn’t able to worry about one thing, which was my next meal and then get back in the ocean,” he continued. “Like I had to start making money, I had to start, I got a job.”

The change was not simply about having less leisure time. Presley reportedly explained that reduced physical activity coincided with being placed on more medication and experiencing a decline in his quality of life.

Cindy Crawford’s Son Entered Modeling As A Teenager

Presley signed with IMG Models as a teenager and made his runway debut for Moschino at 16. His entry into the industry appeared natural from the outside. Crawford was one of the most recognizable supermodels in the world, while Presley had inherited her famous beauty mark and photogenic features.

He quickly began working with major fashion houses, including Calvin Klein, Dolce & Gabbana, Balmain, Burberry, and Celine. In 2018, Presley appeared alongside Crawford in a Pepsi commercial shown during the Super Bowl. The campaign paid tribute to his mother’s famous 1992 advertisement for the brand. That same year, he and his younger sister, Kaia Gerber, appeared together in a Calvin Klein Jeans campaign.

The career gave Presley opportunities most aspiring models could only dream of, but that success came as the everyday routine that once kept him grounded began slipping away. Presley never blamed modeling entirely for his struggles, but he recognized that beginning his career pulled him away from the healthy routine that had once anchored his life.

• Cindy Crawford called Presley Gerber a “warrior” just months before his death at age 27.
• The actress revealed how “so proud” she was of her children months before her son’s sudden death.
• Presley Gerber’s ex-girlfriend shared an emotional tribute following the death of Cindy Crawford’s son.
• Cindy Crawford reportedly “never stopped” trying to save her son as family sources pushed back against criticism of her parenting.
• George Clooney’s heartbreaking private messages to Cindy Crawford’s son before his death have been revealed.

Physical Activity Became Part Of His Mental Health Advice

Years after losing his childhood routine, Presley returned to the importance of movement while discussing his mental health publicly. During what became his final public appearance, he participated in a panel at the We Are ENOUGH x Aviator Nation launch event in Malibu on June 11. Crawford and Rande Gerber attended the mental health-focused event to support their son.

Presley encouraged people facing difficult days to move their bodies and reconnect with the outdoors. “Move your body regardless of how you’re feeling. Get outside. Get some sun,” he told the audience, per PEOPLE. “If you don’t feel like moving, lay on the grass.”

Presley Gerber Spent Years Searching For Answers

Presley became increasingly candid about his mental health and substance use during the final years of his life. In a since-deleted December 2025 video, he revealed that he had consulted as many as 15 psychiatrists and was taking several medications, per FOX.

He expressed uncertainty about the conflicting guidance he had received and the potential consequences of stopping certain prescriptions. “The doctors say a lot of different things, so it’s kind of scary, but hopefully between my research and their research … and God, we can figure this out,” Presley said.

He also described mental health as a constant responsibility rather than something that could be addressed once and forgotten. “[Mental health] is an issue. It is such a big part of my life. It’s a 24/7 job, and there’s so much to it,” he explained during a 2023 appearance on the “Studio 22” podcast.

Presley later underwent ibogaine treatment in Mexico as part of his attempt to address addiction. He admitted he was “absolutely terrified” before the experience but believed he needed to confront what he had been avoiding.

Helping Others Gave Presley A New Sense Of Direction

As Presley searched for stability, speaking openly about his experiences became an important part of his life. He created a social media series called “Mental Health Mondays” to encourage discussions about subjects people often conceal.

“It’s been incredible seeing how far that message has spread and how many people it’s helped,” Presley said. “I’m proud that something I created has inspired others and started a bigger movement around openness and healing.”

Presley had previously explained that helping even one person avoid the mistakes he made would give meaning to what he endured. Instead of being recognized primarily as Crawford’s son or for his appearance, Presley wanted his experiences to help people facing similar struggles.

Presley Gerber Died At Age 27

Presley died at a rehabilitation facility in Santa Monica, California, on September 20. Santa Monica Police said officers responded to a report of a possible overdose and found him dead at the facility. His death is being investigated as a suspected overdose, but authorities have not determined an official cause.

The Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner completed an autopsy and deferred the cause and manner of death pending additional testing. Police said there were no indications of foul play. “The family is asking for privacy during this very difficult and painful time,” family representative Allie Jenkins said.

The Cindy Crawford’s Son Spent ‘10 Years’ Trying To Understand What Happened To Him first appeared on The Blast