On Friday, 25 September, Ryan Frederick — a close friend of Presley Gerber — posted a tribute to Instagram, five days after Gerber passed away at the age of 27. Frederick shared a series of photos of the two of them together, accompanied by a tribute to Gerber, in which he described Gerber as more than just his closest friend.

Those around Gerber considered him family, Frederick wrote. Frederick stated that the pair had shared countless memories, cherished experiences, and moments that would remain with him throughout his lifetime, and noted that nobody else had ever brought him the same degree of amusement.

Reflecting on their shared bond, Frederick also acknowledged Gerber's perseverance in facing personal obstacles that few around him had been fully aware of, describing him as someone who had continued to push forward despite considerable adversity. Frederick described Gerber as someone whose kindness, humour, dedication, and capacity to uplift those around him would endure in memory.

Frederick concluded the tribute by naming what he would carry with him — Gerber's laughter, his vitality, their shared travels, their time together on the water, and the future moments they had believed were still ahead of them — and affirmed his enduring affection for his late friend, writing that Gerber's memory would remain with him wherever he travelled.

Presley Gerber — whose parents are Cindy Crawford and Rande Gerber — passed away on 20 September while receiving treatment at a rehabilitation facility. Crawford and Rande Gerber are also parents to a daughter, Kaia Gerber. His relatives have asked for privacy during what they described as an extremely painful period.

According to a 21 September announcement from the Santa Monica Police Department, officers had been dispatched to the scene of a reported possible overdose at 9:35 a.m. the previous day. Responding officers discovered an unconscious person at the location.

Authorities are examining the circumstances of Gerber's death, with a suspected overdose among the possibilities under review. Investigators have found no indication of criminal involvement.

The post-mortem examination on Gerber was carried out on Monday, 21 September. The official cause of death remains categorised as deferred and under active investigation, notwithstanding the completion of both the autopsy and cremation.

Those experiencing difficulties with substance use, or those who know someone in that situation, can reach the SAMHSA National Helpline by dialling 1-800-662-4357. Support resources are available for anyone experiencing distress or facing a personal crisis. To reach the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, individuals can phone, message, or visit 988lifeline.org.