Updated October 10, 2026, 4:16 p.m. ET
George Clooney has opened up about the death of close family friend Presley Gerber.
The son of model Cindy Crawford and businessman Rande Gerber died at age 27 at a rehabilitation center on September 20 in Simi Valley, California, about 40 miles west of Los Angeles.
At the 2026 Albies Awards in the UK on October 9, the Ocean’s Eleven actor was asked how the family hoped to honor Gerber’s legacy.
“I don’t think we’re even in a position to be able to talk about it,” Clooney told Entertainment Tonight at the Natural History Museum in London alongside Amal Clooney. “Honestly, this is one of the most devastating things that has happened to our family.”
He continued, “And their family is just, as you can imagine. It’s the worst thing that can happen to a family.”
The Clooneys’ friendship with the Gerber family spans decades. George and Rande co-founded their ultra-premium tequila and mezcal brand, Casamigos Tequila, in 2013 with Michael Meldman. The trio sold the company in 2017.
In March, Clooney, Gerber and Discovery Land Company founder Mike Meldman launched the non-alcoholic beer brand Crazy Mountain.
How did Presley Gerber die?
Gerber died Sept. 20 at Resolutions Living sober living home in the Los Angeles area. The cause of death has not been confirmed, but the Santa Monica Police Department described his death as a “suspected overdose” and said there was no indication of foul play.
Law enforcement responded to a report of a possible overdose and “cardiac arrest” at Resolutions Living, according to 911 audio reported by People and Page Six. He was pronounced dead at 9:45 a.m., the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner said in a statement.
On September 20, the day Gerber died, the Los Angeles County medical examiner said a deputy medical examiner completed an examination of her body.
However, the case was postponed, meaning “additional tests and/or studies were requested to determine” the cause and manner of death.
A representative for Crawford and Rande Gerber, who are also the parents of actress-model Kaia Gerber, 25, previously confirmed the death of their only son in a statement to USA TODAY: “The family asks for privacy during this very difficult and painful time.”
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