Model and actress Kaia Gerber has shared an emotional tribute to her older brother Presley Gerber, who died September 20, 2026, at age 27. In a deeply personal Instagram post on October 18, Kaia reflected on their childhood, their close relationship and the difficulty of facing life without him.
Presley, the son of supermodel Cindy Crawford and businessman Rande Gerber, died at a rehabilitation facility in Santa Monica, California. Police are investigating his death as a suspected overdose, although the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner has not yet determined the official cause or manner of death.
Kaia, 25, shared a collection of childhood photographs and videos showing moments she spent with Presley. Her message described a relationship that shaped her life long before either sibling became known in the entertainment and fashion industries.
The tribute included memories of their childhood, the comfort Presley provided and the lessons she learned from having an older brother. Kaia described the difficulty of finding words that could adequately express her grief.
She wrote about the unusual experience of having someone who had always been part of her life suddenly absent. The actress explained that she was trying to understand how to maintain her connection with Presley when she could no longer see him or speak to him.
One of the most personal moments involved a childhood memory of getting her ears pierced. Kaia recalled being frightened and watching Presley go first to help her feel comfortable with the experience.
That memory took on a painful new meaning after his death. Kaia described holding an earring that had been removed from Presley's body and remembering how her older brother had always been the first to face difficult experiences.
She called Presley her ultimate teacher and credited him with helping her understand courage, kindness and vulnerability. His willingness to remain gentle despite personal hardships was among the qualities she admired most.
Kaia also described him as her closest friend and protector. She remembered the laughter they shared and the security she felt knowing her brother was there when she needed him.
Her message acknowledged that grief had changed how she experienced ordinary moments. She was learning how to tell her brother things without being able to pick up the phone and call him.
Near the end of her tribute, Kaia expressed the depth of her lifelong attachment to Presley, writing, "I was born loving you. I will die loving you."
She said she would choose their experiences together again, even knowing the pain that would follow. The message ended with gratitude for the years they shared and the place Presley would continue to occupy in her life.
Cindy Crawford and Rande Gerber Honor Their Son
Kaia's tribute followed an emotional statement shared by her mother, Cindy Crawford, who addressed the family's loss publicly on October 18. Crawford described Presley as a kind and loving person whose life had deeply affected those who knew him.
The statement was issued on behalf of Crawford, her husband Rande Gerber and their daughter Kaia. The family expressed appreciation for the messages and support they had received following Presley's death.
Crawford remembered her son for his sensitivity, kindness and willingness to be vulnerable. The family emphasized the love he gave others while acknowledging the difficulty of adjusting to his absence.
Rande also shared a tribute on social media, including photographs and memories of his son. He reposted Kaia's message and expressed how much Presley meant to him.
The family's statements followed several weeks of relative privacy after the September 20 death. A representative initially confirmed the news and requested that the family be allowed to grieve without unnecessary public attention.
Friends and people connected to the fashion industry have also remembered Presley through photographs and messages. Many recalled his personality and the relationships he formed during his modeling career.
Presley's Death Remains Under Investigation
Presley was found unresponsive at a Santa Monica rehabilitation facility on September 20. Emergency responders were dispatched at approximately 9:35 a.m. after authorities received a report involving a possible overdose.
The Santa Monica Police Department subsequently confirmed that investigators were treating the death as a suspected overdose. Police said there were no indications of foul play.
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner recorded Presley's death but did not immediately establish its cause. An official determination requires the completion of the medical investigation, including any necessary toxicology testing.
Reports describing a possible overdose remain preliminary. Until the medical examiner issues a final finding, the precise circumstances of his death cannot be established.
Presley had previously spoken publicly about his experiences with mental health challenges and substance use. He discussed those issues in interviews and social media posts, sometimes describing his efforts to recover and his interest in helping others experiencing similar difficulties.
In a 2023 appearance on the Studio 22 podcast, Presley discussed his personal struggles and said he hoped sharing his experiences might help people facing their own challenges. He expressed an interest in using his public platform for something beyond modeling.
His willingness to discuss difficult subjects became an important part of how his younger sister understood him. Before his death, Kaia had publicly recognized the courage involved in sharing personal struggles with others.
A Close Relationship Throughout Their Lives
Kaia and Presley grew up together in Southern California as the children of two prominent figures in fashion and business. Their mother built an internationally successful modeling career, while their father became known for his business ventures.
Both siblings eventually entered the modeling industry. Presley began working professionally as a teenager and appeared in campaigns and runway presentations for major fashion houses.
Kaia followed a similar path before expanding her career into acting. Despite their professional responsibilities, they frequently appeared together at events and spoke publicly about their close relationship.
Presley demonstrated his affection for his younger sister in 2018 when he had her name tattooed on his arm. The gesture drew attention at the time and became one of several public examples of their sibling bond.
Their relationship also included support for one another's careers. Shortly before Presley's death, Kaia spoke about how he had encouraged her acting work and followed her performances.
In an interview published by Vogue in August 2026, Kaia discussed how her brother's personal difficulties had affected their family. She explained that she had sometimes tried to avoid creating additional worries for her parents.
She also praised Presley for his willingness to discuss subjects that many families prefer to keep private. His openness, she suggested, helped create conversations about experiences that can otherwise be difficult to acknowledge.
Those earlier comments have gained particular significance following his death. They show that Kaia's admiration for her brother's honesty and vulnerability existed long before she wrote her memorial tribute.
Presley's death has left the Gerber family mourning a son and brother whose public career represented only one part of his life. Their statements have focused on his kindness, his relationships and the memories they will continue to carry.
Kaia's October 18 tribute offered the most detailed public account yet of what her brother meant to her personally. As the family continues to grieve, the medical examiner's investigation remains open, with no official cause of death announced.