Presley Gerber, the son of supermodel Cindy Crawford and businessman Rande Gerber, died at a rehabilitation center at age 27 following a long struggle with substance use and mental health, according to reporting published by the Daily Mail. His death followed a public disclosure he made six months prior regarding his use of ibogaine, a controversial psychoactive compound, in an attempt to overcome his addiction.
Treatment with Ibogaine at a Mexican Clinic
Earlier in the year, Presley Gerber documented his experience receiving what he called a “Pre-ibogaine flood dose” at the Beond Ibogaine treatment facility in Cancun, Mexico, according to the Daily Mail. The 10-day program at the facility starts at $12,500. Ibogaine is a naturally occurring psychoactive substance derived from an African shrub, traditionally ingested in raw root bark form by indigenous African peoples for spiritual and healing properties, according to Beond Ibogaine’s website. In modern clinical settings, the substance is administered to induce a temporary psychedelic experience lasting several hours, which proponents report helps mitigate drug withdrawal symptoms by triggering a profound mental and neurological “reset.” While illegal and classified as a Schedule I controlled substance in the United States, ibogaine is legal or available by prescription in countries such as Canada and Brazil, and it is utilized in specialized clinics across Mexico.
Family Reaction and Public Discussion
Following his statements regarding the procedure in March, Presley Gerber’s family members publicly voiced their support for his decision to seek treatment, as reported by the Daily Mail. Cindy Crawford commented on his social media post, writing, “You are a warrior! Walked thru the fire to find yourself! So proud!” His sister, Kaia Gerber, added, “That’s my brother I am so damn proud.” Rande Gerber also expressed support, stating, “I’m so proud of you and your courage. Facing what’s hard takes real strength and watching you find your way back to yourself is everything.” In his own video caption from the clinic, Presley Gerber stated that he was “absolutely terrified” ahead of the procedure but expressed hope that the intervention would successfully resolve his struggles.
Broader Context of Ibogaine Use
The compound has previously drawn public endorsements from other notable figures seeking alternative addiction therapies, according to the Daily Mail. Singer Melissa Etheridge, whose son Beckett died of a fentanyl overdose in 2020, and Lamar Odom, the former husband of Khloe Kardashian, have both spoken publicly about the potential benefits of ibogaine treatment. Medical researchers and regulatory agencies continue to monitor the substance due to its intense psychoactive properties and potential cardiac risks, keeping it restricted in the United States while patients travel abroad to access specialized facilities.
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