Kaia Gerber Says Late Brother Presley’s Openness About Addiction Was a Lesson to Their Family

Model Kaia Gerber said her brother Presley Gerber’s willingness to speak publicly about his addiction and mental health struggles was a lesson to her family, in comments made about a month before his death.

Speaking to Vogue for her September cover story, published last month, Kaia called Presley the “greatest teacher” for showing her “there’s only so much you can hide from the world.”

Presley, 25, publicly disclosed in 2024 that he had struggled with dependency on prescription medication and had suffered a near-fatal fentanyl overdose that left him in a coma. He later announced he was sober from alcohol, named the depressants he had been taking for panic attacks, and shared updates on his recovery through posts he called “Mental Health Mondays.”

In March, Presley told his followers he was confronting issues he “had been running from” while at a wellness clinic in Mexico. Kaia responded publicly at the time, saying she was “so damn proud” of him.

In her August interview, Kaia contrasted her brother’s candor with the approach taken by their parents, supermodel Cindy Crawford and businessman Rande Gerber, who she said “were very, very private and didn’t share anything … for most of [their] lives.” She said that “trying to put a lid on something just makes the person feel like you’re ashamed of them.”

Kaia also reflected on how her brother’s struggles shaped the family. “When something like that happens … it kind of levels everyone,” she said. “I think that’s also why I started to self-identify as the easy one and never wanted to ask for help.” She added, “It felt like too much to have two children who were needing.”

Death confirmed Sunday

News broke Sunday that Presley had died in an undisclosed rehab facility. Kaia and her parents released a joint statement asking for “privacy during this very difficult and painful time.” Kaia, Crawford, 60, and Rande, 64, have not commented further. An autopsy has not been completed, and Presley’s cause of death remains unknown.

Presley’s public struggles date back nearly a decade. He was arrested at age 19 for DUI in California and pleaded no contest to the misdemeanor charge the following year.

In his March post from the treatment facility in Mexico, Presley wrote that he had “started finding [his] way back to [him]self,” adding, “We shall see. Praying it’s the last time I have to come back [to treatment]. Next time I’d like to choose.”

If you or someone you care about is affected by the issues raised in this story, call SAMHSA’s National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).