Weather 
George Clooney is sharing his sadness over the tragic death of family friend Presley Gerber.
Speaking to Entertainment Tonight at his annual awards ceremony, The Albies, on Friday, October 9, Clooney, 65, broke his silence on Gerber’s death.
“I don’t think we’re even in the position of even being able to talk about it. Quite honestly, it’s one of the most devastating things that’s happened to our family,” Clooney shared. “And their family is just, as you can imagine, it’s the worst thing that could happen to the family.”
Clooney is a longtime friend of Presley’s parents, Cindy Crawford and Randy Gerber. (Cindy and Randy also share daughter Kaia Gerber, 25.)
In addition to sharing a decades-long friendship with the couple, Clooney is Randy’s business partner, with the duo cofounding Casamigos Tequila in 2013.
Us confirmed on September 20 that Presley had died while in rehab. He was 27.
“The family is asking for privacy during this very difficult and painful time,” his family said in a statement.
The Santa Monica Police Department told Us on September 21 that officers responded to a call regarding a possible overdose at 9:35 a.m. local time the previous morning. Authorities found an unresponsive adult male at the scene.
Presley’s death is being investigated as a possible overdose. No foul play is suspected. Presley’s autopsy was completed on September 21, Us confirmed.
Presley Gerber, Cindy Crawford and Rande Gerber. (Photo by Phillip Faraone/Getty Images)
The model’s official cause of death is still listed as “deferred” and pending investigation despite the cremation and autopsy being complete.
Prior to his death, Presley candidly shared his mental health and addiction battles via Instagram posts.
In December 2025, he detailed his medication routine at the time in a bid to be transparent about his own journey and in an attempt to help others struggling with similar issues.
“Here’s some clarity for ya — the truth will set you free (hopefully) haha,” he captioned the social media clip. “I feel like honesty is the best policy.”
Presley then went through his list of current medications, which included one milligram of Buprenorphine two times a day. (Buprenorphine is intended to treat opioid use disorder and pain.)
After listing more meds he was taking, such as Valium, Presley concluded, “I’m hoping this reaches people in many ways … so you feel like you’re not alone, because that is how I feel most of the time. I have a feeling if I say all of this, a lot of people will at least know that there’s someone else going through it.”
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
