‘Praying it’s the last time’: Presley Gerber’s heartbreaking post months before death
Presley Gerber, son of Cindy Crawford and Rande Gerber, opened up about undergoing treatment for his battle with addiction in one of his last social media posts before his tragic death.
Presley, who died in a Los Angeles rehab facility on Sunday, aged 27, shared his experience undergoing psychedelic drug treatment in a March Instagram video.
Presley Gerber died in a Los Angeles rehab centre aged 27. Instagram/@presleygerber
The video shows Presley about to undergo an ibogaine flood dose. Ibogaine is a naturally occurring psychedelic that comes from the Central West African shrub Tabernanthe iboga, according to Stanford Medicine.
The treatment, which is legal in Australia under specific circumstances, is highly controlled and restricted depending on the country. It is not legal to prescribe in the US.
“[A] quiet moment before everything changed,” Presley wrote.
“I was absolutely terrified, and I knew I would be again if I ever had to face something like this.”
He went on to say his mantras during treatment were “loving himself” and confessed that “letting go of control didn’t come easy, but I trusted there was something bigger than me guiding it.”
“I knew why I was there. I faced what I had been running from, and somewhere in all of it, I started finding my way back to myself,” Presley wrote. “We shall see.”
He added he was “praying it’s the last time I have to come back.”
Presley Gerber undergoing psychedelic treatment for mental health battle and addiction. Instagram
According to the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner, Presley died on Sunday September 20 at a rehab facility, TMZ reported.
An autopsy is yet to be completed.
Shortly after the news broke, the Crawford-Gerber family released a statement via their representative.
“The family is asking for privacy during this very difficult and painful time,” they said.
Presley is the eldest of Cindy and Rande’s children. The couple are also parents to model Kaia Gerber, 25.
Just two months ago, Cindy posted a sweet message for Presley’s 27th birthday alongside a photo of her holding him as a baby.
“Happy birthday @presleygerber 🎂 I’m so proud of the man you’ve become, but I’ll always see you as my little boy! Love you,” the caption read.
Over the years, Presley had been open about his struggles with mental health and substance abuse.
Just two months ago, Cindy posted a sweet message for Presley’s 27th birthday alongside a photo of her holding him as a baby. Instagram/@cindycrawford
In a recent interview with Vogue, Kaia spoke on what it was like seeing a loved one battle addiction.
“When something like that happens in a family, 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. Because it felt like too much to have two children who were needing.”
Presley’s family have been publicly supportive of him and his recovery. Comments under his post about his psychedelic treatment included heartfelt messages from Kaia, his mother Cindy and his dad Rande.
“You are a warrior! Walked thru the fire to find yourself! So proud!” mum Cindy wrote.
“That’s my brother I am so damn proud,” sister Kaia commented.
Presley’s family have been publicly supportive of him and his recovery. Getty
While dad Rande said: “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. I love you so much.”
If you or someone you know is in need of support contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue. In the event of an emergency dial Triple Zero (000).
The National Alcohol and Other Drug hotline (1800 250 015) provides free and confidential advice about alcohol and other drugs.
