The entertainment and fashion communities are in deep mourning following the tragic passing of Presley Gerber, the son of supermodel icon Cindy Crawford and businessman Rande Gerber, at the age of 27. Among those paying tribute to the late model is his former partner, Lexi Wood, who opened up about his enduring light, his resilience, and his open battle with mental health and addiction.
Presley Gerber was found dead on September 20 at a rehabilitation facility in Southern California, with the Santa Monica Police Department later confirming the tragedy was the result of a suspected overdose. As friends, family, and fans process the devastating loss, the spotlight has turned not only to the heartbreak of his passing, but also to the profound legacy of vulnerability and advocacy he leaves behind.
A Legacy of Love and Friendship Remembered
Lexi Wood, a model and television personality known for her appearance on Summer House, took to Instagram to honor Presley, with whom she shared a relationship in 2022. Though their romantic chapter eventually transitioned, Wood emphasized that a deep and abiding friendship remained at the core of their connection.
"It’s hard to put into words what it means to lose someone who was such a meaningful part of my life for so many years," Wood wrote in an emotional social media tribute accompanied by a series of photographs capturing moments from their time together. "Through every chapter and every version of our relationship, friendship was always at the core of it."
Wood described Presley as one of the kindest, most open, and deeply affectionate individuals she had ever known, highlighting his romantic nature, thoughtfulness, and immense capacity for love. Furthermore, she praised his extraordinary bravery in confronting his personal demons in the public eye.
"He fought so hard for his life and he was brave enough to be open about that fight," Wood continued. "More than anything, he wanted to use his story to help other people, and he did. I feel so lucky to have shared so many years of friendship, so many memories, and so much love with him. He will always hold such a special place in my heart, and we will all miss him forever."
A Public Battle and the Genesis of Mental Health Mondays
Long before his untimely death, Presley Gerber was transparent with his supporters about the obstacles he faced in his personal life. Rather than hiding his struggles behind the polished facade often demanded of those raised in the public eye, he chose vulnerability. In March 2023, he launched an initiative on social media known as "Mental Health Mondays," aiming to build a supportive community for individuals navigating similar hardships with addiction and mental wellness.
"I really hope you all join me on my journey through life and pursuit of happiness," Presley wrote to his followers at the time. "Let’s learn from each other so we can help each other."
After a necessary hiatus to focus inward on his recovery and well-being, Presley returned to Instagram in November 2025 with an uplifting message for his audience.
"It’s been a minute since I’ve posted," he shared. "I had to step back and take care of my own mental health for a bit. But I’m coming back soon—stronger, clearer, more intentional than ever. When I started Mental Health Mondays, the goal was to spark real conversations about the stuff most people hide. It’s incredible seeing how far that message has spread and how many people it’s helped."
Family Support and the Shift Toward Radical Transparency
Presley’s commitment to breaking the stigma surrounding addiction deeply influenced his immediate family, including his younger sister, model and actress Kaia Gerber. In a candid interview published in a major fashion publication earlier this year, Kaia reflected on the paradigm shift Presley introduced within their traditionally private family dynamic.
"My parents for most of our lives were very, very private and didn’t share anything—and now we have this absolute teacher, my brother, who says, ‘I’m gonna be very human for everyone,’" Kaia shared. She noted that attempting to conceal struggles only serves to isolate individuals and make them feel a sense of unwarranted shame. Presley’s willingness to strip away the illusion of perfection fostered a new era of emotional honesty within the household.
Throughout his life, Presley shared a remarkably close bond with his family. From early childhood public appearances alongside his mother at red carpet premieres to milestone celebrations—such as surprising Cindy Crawford for her 57th birthday with a custom fruit-adorned cake in February 2023—the Gerber family consistently projected a united and supportive front. Whether it was casual family dinners at casual diners captured by Rande Gerber, lakeside vacations, or cheering on Kaia at her fashion and film industry events, Presley remained a central and cherished pillar of his family’s tight-knit unit.
Broader Implications: The Ongoing Crisis of Addiction in Public Life
Presley Gerber’s passing highlights a sobering reality that continues to affect individuals across all socioeconomic backgrounds, including high-profile families within the entertainment industry. The intersection of public scrutiny, mental health struggles, and the opioid and substance abuse crisis remains a critical public health challenge.
Experts in addiction medicine and mental health advocacy frequently emphasize the vital importance of open dialogue, destigmatizing treatment, and providing accessible resources for individuals navigating the complex path of recovery. While high-profile losses often bring fleeting attention to these systemic issues, advocates note that initiatives like Presley’s "Mental Health Mondays" play a tangible role in fostering peer support and reducing the isolation frequently experienced by those battling substance use disorders.
As the Gerber family, along with friends like Lexi Wood and countless fans around the world, mourn the loss of a young man who sought to transform his pain into a beacon of help for others, his legacy of empathy and courage endures. Presley Gerber will be remembered not only for his lineage in the fashion world, but for his profound humanity and his courageous dedication to helping others find their way toward healing.
