'Terrified' Presley Gerber's agonizing Instagram post months before death at 27


The son of Cindy Crawford and Randy Gerber passed away on September 20


A close up photo of Cindy Crawford and Presley Gerber© Patrick McMullan via Getty Image
Hannah Hargrave
Hannah HargraveUS Deputy Editor
49 minutes ago

In one of his last social media posts before his untimely death, Presley Gerber confessed to being "terrified" as he faced further treatment for his addictions. 

The only son of Cindy Crawford and Randy Gerber died on September 20 at the age of 27.

He had been open about his addiction struggles and in March he revealed to his social media followers that he was undergoing psychedelic drug treatment.

'Praying this is the last time' 

Presley Gerber, Cindy Crawford and Rande Gerber attend the World Premiere of Apple TV+'s "Palm Royale" at Samuel Goldwyn Theater on March 14, 2024 in Beverly Hills, California© Phillip Faraone
Presley died at the age of 27

The model, who died at a rehabilitation facility, posted a video of himself before undergoing an ibogaine flood dose which Stanford Medicine describes as a naturally occurring psychedelic. 

It comes from the roots of the African shrub iboga, and most recently "it has gained interest from the medical and scientific communities for its potential to treat opioid and cocaine addiction."

Alongside the video, Presley wrote: "Quiet moment before everything changed," before adding: "I was absolutely terrified, and I knew I would be again if I ever had to face something like this."

The treatment is not legal in the United States but is legal in other countries. 

Presley added: "Letting go of control didn't come easy. 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."

The model also said that he was "praying it's the last time I have to come back."

Support from his family 

Rande Gerber, Cindy Crawford, Kaia Gerber and Presley Gerber at The Fashion Awards in 2018.© WireImage via Getty Images
His family are devastated by their loss

His post was met with kind and supportive messages from his family. His mom, Cindy, called him a "warrior," and said she was "so proud," while his sister, Kaia, wrote: "That’s my brother I am so damn proud."

Randy also commented with a message proving just how much the family loved him. 

"I'm so proud of you and your courage. Facing what's hard takes real strength, and watching you find your way back to yourself is everything. I love you so much," he wrote.

Presley Gerber wearing a blue hoodie and a white denim jacket © Getty
Presley hoped he could help others by talking about his mental health and addiction issues

Following news of his death, his family released a statement to HELLO!: which read: "The family is asking for privacy during this very difficult and painful time." 

A cause of death had not been publicly confirmed at the time of reporting.

Cindy's last message to 'my little boy'

Cindy holding Presley as a young boy© Instagram
Cindy holding Presley as a young boy

Just two months before Presley's death, he turned 27 and Cindy shared a message that captured both her pride in the man he had become and her memories of the little boy she had raised.

The supermodel shared two childhood photographs on Instagram in July, accompanying them with a loving tribute to her eldest child.

"I'm so proud of the man you've become, but I'll always see you as my little boy! Love you," she wrote.

If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, please contact the SAMHSA helpline at 1-800-662-HELP.

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