George Clooney Speaks Out on Presley Gerber’s Death

George Clooney has broken his silence on the death of Presley Gerber, the 27-year-old son of Cindy Crawford and Rande Gerber. The actor described the loss as devastating to both families as he and his wife, Amal, continue supporting the grieving parents.

George Clooney has finally spoken about a heartbreaking loss that has shaken one of his closest families, and his words reveal just how deeply the tragedy has affected him. As the actor reflects on the death of Presley Gerber, his longtime friendship with the young man’s parents has taken on an even more personal meaning.

The death of Presley Gerber on September 20, 2026, at age 27 left his parents, supermodel Cindy Crawford and businessman Rande Gerber, facing an unimaginable loss. In the days that followed, friends of the couple rallied around them, offering support as they navigated the tragedy.

Clooney Opens Up About a Loss That Has Shaken His Family

According to a report by People, those closest to Crawford and Rande have been making sure the grieving parents are not left to face the difficult period alone. Among them are Clooney and his wife, Amal, who have remained close to the family since learning of Presley’s death.

A source told the publication, "George, Amal [Clooney] and a few of their other close friends have been taking shifts staying with the family so they aren’t alone."

The source also emphasized the depth of the actor’s relationship with the Gerbers, describing Clooney as "family" to Crawford and her husband. That bond extends beyond friendship, as Clooney and Rande have shared a business partnership for years.

"George and Amal joined the family in Los Angeles after learning of Presley’s death," the source told People. "They’re helping with arrangements and whatever else the family needs. George has always been very close with both Kaia and Presley."

The reference to Kaia is to Presley’s younger sister, model Kaia Gerber. With the Clooneys helping the family through the immediate aftermath of the loss, their presence has underscored how closely connected the two families have become.

Why the Tragedy Hits Clooney So Close to Home

Clooney’s connection to the Gerbers goes back years, particularly through his business relationship with Rande. The two men co-founded Casamigos Tequila in 2013, building a successful brand together before selling it to Diageo in 2017.

Their partnership helped establish a friendship that has extended well beyond business, making Presley’s death a deeply personal tragedy for the actor. And when Clooney finally addressed the loss publicly, he made clear that the pain was not limited to Presley’s immediate family.

Speaking to Entertainment Tonight on October 9 at The Albies, the annual awards ceremony hosted by the Clooney Foundation for Justice, the actor was asked whether he and the Gerbers were planning a special way to honor Presley’s legacy.

His response was measured, but the emotion behind it was unmistakable. "I don’t think we’re even in the position of being able to talk about it," Clooney said in the video interview shared by E! News and Entertainment Tonight.

He then offered a glimpse of just how profoundly the loss had affected those closest to Presley. "But honestly, it’s one of the most devastating things that’s happened to our family, and their family is just, as you can imagine. It’s the worst thing that could ever happen with them."

The actor’s words reflected the difficulty of finding a way to honor someone whose death is still so painful for the people who loved him. Rather than discussing memorial plans or a public tribute, Clooney acknowledged that the families were still dealing with the immediate weight of their loss.

In a separate report, E! News quoted Clooney’s remarks, including his assessment of the tragedy as "one of the most devastating things that’s happened to our family." He also reiterated the scale of the loss, adding, "It’s the worst thing that could ever happen with family."

The comments offered a rare public look at the grief surrounding Presley’s death, particularly from someone who has known his parents for years.

Clooney’s reluctance to discuss plans to honor Presley also suggested that, for now, the priority remains supporting the people closest to him rather than deciding how his legacy should be commemorated.

The Clooneys Are Standing Beside Cindy Crawford and Rande Gerber

While Clooney’s comments have drawn attention to the emotional impact of Presley’s death, his actions in the aftermath have been just as significant. According to the source who spoke to People, he and Amal traveled to Los Angeles after learning of the tragedy and have been helping the family with arrangements and other needs.

Their support has included spending time with the grieving parents alongside other close friends, with people taking turns to ensure Crawford and Rande are not left alone. It is a practical expression of a longstanding friendship at a time when even the smallest tasks can become difficult for a family in mourning.

Clooney’s relationship with Presley also went beyond his friendship with the young man’s father. As the source told People, the actor had always been close with both Presley and Kaia, making the loss one that touches several generations of the family.

For now, Clooney has not outlined any specific plans to honor Presley. His comments instead reflect the reality that the people closest to the 27-year-old are still processing a devastating loss, with his parents receiving support from friends who have become family.

And perhaps that is the most revealing part of the actor’s statement: Presley’s death has not only devastated his parents but has also left a lasting mark on the close circle of people who loved him.

As we previously reported, Presley had spoken openly about his struggles with mental health and addiction, even sharing his search for treatment and his hopes of helping others facing similar challenges. His death has left his family and close friends grieving a devastating loss, with Clooney and Amal among those helping Cindy Crawford and Rande Gerber through this difficult time.

He Had Built a Career in Modeling Before Speaking Openly About His Struggles

Presley entered the fashion world while still a teenager. According to CNN, he made his runway debut for Moschino at 16 and later walked for brands including Burberry, Dolce & Gabbana, Bottega Veneta, Tommy Hilfiger and Ralph Lauren.

He also appeared in campaigns for Calvin Klein, Celine, Pepsi and Omega, while working with magazines including GQ Style and The New York Times Style Magazine.

His career began alongside that of his younger sister, Kaia, who also became a successful model. In a 2023 appearance on the Studio 22 podcast, Presley reflected on how quickly modeling had changed his life. He explained that he and Kaia were both scouted and signed to IMG at young ages, recalling that he was 15 and she was 13 when they joined the agency.

The experience was not simply about fashion for him. On Studio 22, Presley also spoke about depression and his desire to use his platform to help other people struggling with difficult experiences. "It’s a 24/7 job, and there’s so much to it," he said. Presley added:

"That’s really what I want to do — help people, whether you’re depressed, you’re struggling with something that is hurting your body. It could be anything, and there’s no judgment."

Presley Had Already Been Open About Mental Health

Presley later created an initiative called Mental Health Mondays, using his social media presence to encourage conversations about subjects people often kept hidden.

In one of his posts, he explained why the project mattered to him. "It’s been a minute since I’ve posted — I had to step back and take care of my own mental health for a bit." He continued, "But I’m coming back soon — stronger, clearer, more intentional than ever."

Presley said the purpose of Mental Health Mondays was to "spark real conversations about the stuff most people hide. It’s been incredible seeing how far that message has spread and how many people it’s helped."

He also wrote that he was proud that something he had created had inspired other people and contributed to a wider conversation about openness and healing. "And with November being Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month, the timing couldn’t be better to keep the conversation going."

His approach to discussing mental health became even more direct later that year.

In December 2025, He Described a Difficult Search for Treatment

On December 1, 2025, Presley posted a video discussing his mental health journey. The original video has since been deleted on his Instagram, but PEOPLE’s report on the video preserved much of what he said. Presley began the video by saying, "I feel like honesty is the best policy…"

He said he was taking several medications, including buprenorphine, Xanax, and Valium, in connection with his struggles with panic attacks. Presley also spoke about the uncertainty he felt surrounding his treatment and the different advice he had received from doctors.

"The doctors say a lot of different things, so it’s kind of scary, but hopefully between my research and their research … and God, we can figure this out," he said.

He said he had seen 15 psychiatrists and wanted more structure and direction in his treatment. "I’d like doctors to be like, ‘Take this three times a day’ … but every psychiatrist I’ve had — I’ve had 15 — are like, ‘Here’s 20 medications and take this if you feel like this …’ and I’m like, ‘No, don’t get me that much leeway.’ I need some direction."

Presley also said he had stopped drinking alcohol and was trying to surround himself with people he considered positive influences. "As I’ve grown up in Hollywood, there’s a lot of people around me that I love to death, but right now I try not to be around them," he said.

At the time, Presley said he hoped his honesty would help people who felt isolated in their own struggles. "So you feel like you’re not alone, because that is how I feel most of the time and I have a feeling that if I say all of this, a lot of people will at least know that there’s someone else going through it," he said.

His Final Public Appearance Came Months Before His Death

Presley’s final known public appearance came in May 2026, when he stepped out with his family to support Kaia at the launch of her Re/Done collection. The appearance brought Presley, Kaia, Cindy, and Rande together publicly, making the photograph one of the last known images of the family together.

In the image, Presley stands alongside his sister and parents at the event. The family appearance took place months before his death and would later take on a different significance following the news of his passing.

The images also prompted an immediate wave of emotional reactions from people reflecting on how Presley looked and the apparent progress they believed he had made.

One commenter wrote, "Good-looking young man. So sad 😢" Another reacted, "Nooooooo. This is unbearable 💔" A third commenter said, "So devastating! He looked the best he had in years; I thought he was doing much better. Earth-shattering for his beautiful family 💔💔"

Another person wrote, "This is so heartbreaking." One commenter questioned the circumstances surrounding his death, writing, "He looks totally healthy. Could’ve fooled me, but how do you die in rehab???" Another person wrote, "He was a handsome kid, so very sorry."

On Facebook, another commenter expressed sympathy for the family, saying, "Sad, especially when he was trying to get help. Sorry for his family; his sister left alone." Someone else wrote, "Such a handsome young man, very, very sad ..😓 [sic]."

Another commenter reflected on the family’s loss, writing, "This makes me want to cry, what a handsome boy he was. So young. Cindy’s been through it; this poor girl lost a brother to leukemia, if I remember the story right. And now the loss of her son."

"They all seemed really close and supportive of one another. Addiction is heartbreaking. May he rest in peace, and may this family find peace and strength. I’m so sorry 🙏💔," the comment continued.

The following month, Presley took part in a candid panel discussion about mental health at the We Are ENOUGH x Aviator Nation launch event on June 11 at Aviator Nation Dreamland in Malibu.

Cindy and Rande were on hand as their son reflected on his mental health journey, noting that he started to overcome the pressure he felt to present himself in a certain way by embracing vulnerability, according to People. As Presley said during the panel, per the outlet, "The most free I felt was when I was finally honest with myself."

Presley also offered advice for navigating difficult days, encouraging those in attendance to get outside and incorporate movement into their routines. "Move your body regardless of how you’re feeling. Get outside. Get some sun,” he said. “If you don’t feel like moving, lay on the grass."

One of His Last Instagram Posts Showed a Very Different Side of Him

Presley’s final months also included a much more casual glimpse of his life away from public events. On August 6, he shared a carousel of photographs from a lush garden, posing barefoot in an all-black outfit as he smiled and looked relaxed in front of the camera.

In the first photo, Presley stands on the grass with both hands in his pockets, wearing a backward black baseball cap, black T-shirt, and loose black pants. He looks downward with a relaxed, slightly serious expression, while tattoos are visible along his arms and a small red tattoo appears on his neck.

In the second photo, he turns slightly toward the camera and gives a subtle smile. His tattoos are visible along his arm as he keeps one hand in his pocket, with the leafy garden, palm trees, and vine-covered black wall filling the background.

In the third photo, Presley appears more playful, tilting his head to one side and smiling broadly at the camera. He remains barefoot with his hands in his pockets, surrounded by dense greenery.

The fourth photo captures a more candid moment, with Presley looking down toward his pants while touching the waistband or pocket area. His tattoos are visible on his arms and hands as he stands barefoot against the same lush backdrop.

The casual carousel showed Presley in a lighter moment, away from the discussions about treatment and addiction that had increasingly shaped the public conversation around him.

Paris Hilton Had Just Left a Message on the Post

The same August carousel would become significant again on September 20. Paris Hilton commented on the post 12 hours before her comment was captured, writing, "Love you, bro, 🥰🫶"

The comment itself did not mention Presley’s death, and the available sources do not establish what Paris knew when she left it. Later, after news of his death emerged, Paris shared a much longer tribute on her Instagram Story. Paris wrote that she was "completely heartbroken" and said she still could not believe what had happened.

"Presley, you were such a beautiful soul. So sweet, sensitive, kind, and genuine. I cared about you so much, and I’m going to miss you more than words can say." She continued:

"I’ll always cherish the memories we shared — the laughs, the conversations, and just being around you. You had such a gentle heart, and there was something so special about you that anyone who was lucky enough to know you could feel. 🥺"

Paris then wrote, "I hope you knew how deeply loved you were and how many people cared about you." She also addressed Presley’s family. "My heart is with your entire family during this unimaginable time. 💔" And she ended her tribute by writing, "Rest in peace, my friend. I love you forever. You will be so deeply missed. 🥺🕊️"

Kaia Had Spoken About His Decade-Long Struggle Just Weeks Earlier

The timing of Kaia’s interview now adds another layer to the story. In her September cover story for Vogue, published weeks before Presley’s death, Kaia spoke about her family and the effect her older brother’s decade-long struggle with drug addiction had on her own childhood and development.

In Kaia’s Vogue interview, she described how having a sibling who needed help affected the way she saw herself. "When something like that happens in a family, it kind of levels everyone," Kaia explained….