Warning: Sensitive content
The heartbroken family of Presley Gerber have spoken out for the first time since the 27-year-old’s death last month.
The son of supermodel Cindy Crawford and business tycoon Rande Gerber was in a rehab facility at the time of his death on September 20.
While the official cause of death has not been revealed, police said his death was being investigated as a suspected overdose, and there is no indication of foul play.
In a heartfelt Instagram post, parents and sister Kaia issued their first public statement since his death.
“We are beyond heartbroken to lose our beloved son and brother,” the post, which was shared on Crawford’s Instagram, read.
“We feel so blessed to have had Presley in our lives for 27 years.
“He is a sweet, beautiful soul who loved and is loved, now and forever.
“We are so proud of how he showed up in the world, with kindness and vulnerability.
“We are grateful for the outpouring of love and support from so many who know and love our family and even strangers who feel our pain.
“Til we meet again our sweet boy. We love you forever, Mom, Dad and Kaia.”
A black and white image of Presley smiling with feathers accompanied the statement.
Soon after, sister Kaia shared her own lengthy statement with her 9.7 million Instagram followers.
The post included a sweet home video of the siblings dancing together in a bedroom as children and hugging, as well as a photograph of the pair standing on the shore looking out at the ocean.
In blue text on a blue background, Kaia penned a four-page letter to “Prez”.
The 25-year-old started by saying that, despite being well-read and a lover of language, she didn’t have the words for the heartbreak.
“My articulation is no match against this, the magnitude of losing you,” she wrote.
“I am, quite literally, down on my f...ing knees.
“You know how much I loved being your sister.
“It has always been, and will forever be, my favourite part about myself.
“I came into this world with a white-knuckle grip around you.
“I had more love for you than I knew what to do with.
“And now that it has nowhere obvious to go, I’m certain it’s going to swallow me whole.”
The supermodel and actress described how curious, kind, and thoughtful her older brother was.
When she was scared of getting her ears pierced, Presley went first to make it easier for her.
“You always went first,” Kaia continued.
“But when I held the earring they took from your body, all I could think was: that belongs to you.
“And I really f...ing wish you hadn’t gone first this time.”
She said that adjusting to a world without her brother was incredibly difficult.
“My darling brother, I do adore you.
“I love my brother.
“My brother is dead.
“And this party sucks so bad without you, Prez.
“My best buddy, my greatest protector, the hardest I’ve ever laughed and the one true love of my life.”
The post was to the tune of First I Was by Jake Minch, which she said was the last thing the siblings talked about.
The comments section was flooded with condolences from A-Listers like Paris Hilton, Renee Rapp, and Reese Witherspoon.
Known for his modelling career alongside his younger sister, Presley quickly rose in the fashion industry for his participation in campaigns for big-name brands like Calvin Klein and runway shows for Moschino and Dolce & Gabana.
He openly shared his struggles with mental health and substance abuse in recent years.
The 27-year-old was candid about dealing with depression, panic attacks and addiction, often using his social media platforms to advocate for mental health awareness.
Lifeline: 13 11 14
Get the latest news from thewest.com.au in your inbox.
Sign up for our emails