New reports reveal Presley Gerber was allegedly prescribed ketamine despite addiction struggles before his death at 27. Read the latest investigation details!
Model and mental health advocate Presley Gerber, the eldest son of supermodel Cindy Crawford and businessman Rande Gerber, died on Sunday, September 20, 2026, at a luxury rehabilitation facility in Santa Monica, California. He was 27 years old. As the Santa Monica Police Department and the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner investigate his death as a suspected overdose, explosive reports indicate that a physician allegedly prescribed Gerber ketamine despite knowing his ongoing history with substance abuse.
What Are the Allegations Surrounding Presley Gerber's Ketamine Prescription?
According to sources with direct knowledge who spoke with TMZ, a medical doctor was actively prescribing ketamine to Presley Gerber despite being aware of his severe substance abuse issues.
- A Recurring Concern: People close to Gerber revealed that ketamine had become a persistent problem for the young model in the months leading up to his death.
- Calls for Legal Action: Friends of Gerber have expressed outrage over the medical decisions, with several urging authorities to evaluate the doctor for potential professional misconduct or legal prosecution.
- Unconfirmed Cause: Medical officials note that while the prescription reports raise serious questions, toxicology tests are still pending. It is currently unknown whether ketamine was present in Gerber's system at the time of his death.
What Is Ketamine and How Is It Regulated?
Ketamine is classified by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration as a Schedule III controlled substance. While it serves as a powerful anesthetic in human and veterinary medicine, its use in psychiatric settings remains highly regulated.
- FDA Status: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved ketamine products (such as Ketalar) solely as anesthetics. It is not FDA-approved to treat drug addiction or general substance use disorders.
- Off-Label Psychiatric Use: Related derivatives like esketamine carry FDA approval for treatment-resistant depression under strict black-box warnings due to risks of sedation, dissociation, and misuse.
- Alternative Therapies: Sources indicated that Gerber had also explored alternative addiction recovery approaches in Mexico, including ibogaine, a potent psychoactive compound studied for substance use treatment.
How Are Authorities Investigating Presley Gerber's Death?
The Santa Monica Police Department responded to a emergency call regarding a reported overdose at Resolutions Living on Berkeley Street around 9:35 a.m. on September 20. Paramedics pronounced Gerber dead at 9:45 a.m.
- Pending Toxicology: The L.A. County Department of Medical Examiner performed an autopsy on September 21 but deferred determining the official cause and manner of death pending comprehensive toxicology reports.
- Police Inquiry: Law enforcement officials confirmed they are pursuing the case as a suspected overdose investigation with no current signs of foul play. Detectives have interviewed patients and staff at the facility to trace the origin of any substances involved.
- Advocacy Legacy: Before his passing, Gerber launched the "Mental Health Mondays" awareness initiative on his social media accounts to encourage open conversations about addiction, depression, and recovery.
For official public records and ongoing updates, visit the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner Portal or review mental health resources via the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.