Presley, who followed his famous mother into the fashion industry, had also spoken openly in recent years about his struggles with mental health and substance abuse. He used social media to discuss depression, recovery, and the importance of encouraging men to speak honestly about their emotional well-being.
On Monday, the Santa Monica Police Department confirmed that officers had responded to the 1000 block of Berkeley Street at approximately 9:35 a.m. on September 20 after receiving a report of a possible overdose.
When officers arrived, Gerber was found unresponsive and was later pronounced dead.
Police said detectives are investigating the case as a suspected overdose. However, authorities stressed that an official cause of death has not yet been established.
Investigators also said there was currently no indication of foul play.
The Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner confirmed that responding paramedics pronounced Gerber dead at 9:45 a.m.
“Mr. Gerber was pronounced dead at 09:45 hours on September 20, 2026, by responding paramedics. The Santa Monica Police Department is the investigating law enforcement agency.”
Gerber had reportedly been staying at Resolutions Living, a treatment facility in Santa Monica that provides support for people dealing with addiction and mental health issues.
More information emerged after a deputy medical examiner performed an examination on Monday.
Despite the completion of that examination, officials said they still have not determined Gerber’s official cause or manner of death.
The Medical Examiner’s office explained that the case has been deferred, meaning additional tests or studies will be required before investigators can reach a final conclusion.
“A deputy medical examiner performed an examination today and the cause and manner of death have been deferred, which means additional testing and/or studies were requested in order to make a determination.”
Officials explained that because the investigation remains ongoing, they cannot disclose exactly which tests or studies have been requested.
“Deferred cases can take a few months before a cause of death is determined.”
That distinction remains important. Although police are currently investigating Gerber’s death as a suspected overdose, the Medical Examiner has not officially determined that an overdose caused his death.
Until toxicology testing and any other requested studies are completed, the official cause of death remains undetermined.
Before his death, Presley had become increasingly candid about the struggles he faced behind the glamorous public image associated with his famous family.
In 2025, he launched a social media series called “Mental Health Mondays,” using his platform to encourage people to speak more openly about emotional struggles that are often kept private.
He also discussed addiction and his experiences with treatment, hoping his openness might help others facing similar difficulties.
His younger sister, model and actress Kaia Gerber, had previously spoken about how Presley’s struggles affected their family.
Presley also built a career of his own in the fashion world. He modeled for major brands including Calvin Klein and Dolce & Gabbana and appeared alongside his mother in a Pepsi commercial during the 2018 Super Bowl.
Despite growing up in one of the most recognizable families in fashion, Presley had increasingly used his public platform to speak about the more difficult parts of his personal life rather than focusing only on fame or modeling.
His death has now left many questions unanswered.
Authorities continue to investigate what happened during his final hours, while the Medical Examiner waits for additional testing before issuing an official ruling on the cause and manner of death.
For now, Cindy Crawford, Rande Gerber, Kaia Gerber, and the rest of Presley’s loved ones are mourning privately following the sudden loss.
Presley Gerber was only 27 years old.