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It has been more than six weeks since Presley Gerber died inside a sober living facility he had checked into the evening before. His family is still waiting for answers and learning to live with the loss. Gerber’s mother, Cindy Crawford, is navigating life without her only son while authorities try to piece together exactly what happened to the 27-year-old model.

Presley Gerber died at 27 after a years-long struggle with substance abuse

Gerber’s death shocked the modeling world. He had been candid about his mental health and substance abuse struggles, and in recent months he appeared hopeful about his recovery. In March, he shared that he had traveled to Mexico for experimental treatment. While the months after the treatment were filled with hope, behind the scenes, things were apparently more dire.

According to a law enforcement source who spoke with NBC News, Gerber checked into a sober living facility at about 10 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 19. A source told Page Six that he went because he had “not been doing well.” He was pronounced dead at 9:45 a.m. the next morning, roughly 12 hours after he arrived. Insiders reported that a doctor had been giving Gerber ketamine in the months before his death, despite his past struggles with the drug.

Santa Monica police have said they are investigating his death as a “suspected overdose” and reported no signs of foul play. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s office said its examination was complete but that the cause and manner of death had been “deferred.” A deferral is common when additional testing is required before a final ruling. Deferred cases can take several months to complete.

Cindy Crawford is navigating her heartbreak

Crawford, her husband, Rande Gerber, and their daughter, Kaia, initially released only a brief statement through a representative, asking for privacy “during this very difficult and painful time.” Things fell quiet from the family for about a month.

On Oct. 18, Crawford spoke publicly for the first time in an Instagram post signed by the family, alongside a black-and-white photo of Presley. “We are beyond heartbroken to lose our beloved son and brother,” the caption 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.” The family signed off: “Til we meet again, our sweet boy. We love you forever, Mom, Dad and Kaia.” Kaia, 25, shared a separate open letter to her brother. “I am learning how to love you when I cannot see you,” she wrote.

While the family has kept a low profile in the weeks since Presley’s death, reports suggest they have been leaning on close friends for strength. Crawford and Rande Gerber were recently photographed running errands together in Malibu, and Crawford has been seen visiting Kaia’s Los Angeles home. Friends have reportedly encouraged the couple to spend time away from Los Angeles, away from the cameras and gossip.

Crawford has spoken in the past about her mother’s own experience of losing a child. Crawford’s younger brother, Jeffrey, died of leukemia at age 4. In a 2010 interview, Crawford said she couldn’t imagine the pain her mother endured, and she reflected on how her mother carried on after the tragedy, including through a complicated divorce.

If you or someone you know is struggling with substance use, the SAMHSA National Helpline is free, confidential, and available 24/7 at 1-800-662-4357.

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