Presley Gerber's Ex Lexi Wood Says He "Fought So Hard for His Life"
The Summer House alum, who dated the model in 2022, spoke out after his heartbreaking death.
"It’s hard to put into words what it means to lose someone who was such a meaningful part of my life for so many years," Lexi captioned a series of images with Presley on Instagram Sept. 22. "Through every chapter and every version of our relationship, friendship was always at the core of it."
Presley—the son of Cindy Crawford and Rande Gerber and older brother of Kaia Gerber—was found dead of a suspected overdose on Sept. 20, the Santa Monica Police Department confirmed to E! News. He was 27.
"Everyone who loved Presley and was loved by him knows he was one of the kindest, most open, loving and courageous people," Lexi continued. "He loved so deeply, so purely, was incredibly romantic and thoughtful."
The 28-year-old also reflected on Presley's resilience and willingness to share his mental health journey.
"He fought so hard for his life and he was brave enough to be open about that fight," Lexi added. "More than anything, he wanted to use his story to help other people, and he did."
"I feel so lucky to have shared so many years of friendship," Lexi concluded, "so many memories and so much love with him. He will always hold such a special place in my heart, and we will all miss him forever."
In the years prior to his passing, Presley had spoken openly about his personal struggles, even starting a "Mental Health Mondays" series on social media to help those on a similar journey.
"I really hope you all join me on my journey through life and pursuit of happiness," he wrote on Instagram in March 2023. "Let’s learn from each other so we can help each other."
Gonzalo Marroquin/Getty Images
In Nov. 2025, after stepping back from social media, Presley returned with a message for his supporters.
"It's been a minute since I've posted," he wrote on Instagram at the time. "I had to step back and take care of my own mental health for a bit."
"But I'm coming back soon—stronger, clearer, more intentional than ever," Presley added. "When I started Mental Health Mondays, the goal was to spark real conversations about the stuff most people hide. It's incredible seeing how far that message has spread and how many people it's helped."
Cindy Crawford/Instagram
And his family commended him for speaking out about his addiction.
“My parents for most of our lives were very, very private and didn’t share anything—and now we have this absolute teacher, my brother, who says, ‘I’m gonna be very human for everyone,'" Kaia shared in a Vogue profile, published in August. "There’s only so much you can hide from the world. And trying to put a lid on something just makes the person feel like you’re ashamed of them."
For a closer look at Presley's family life, keep reading.
Cindy Crawford/Instagram
The Sweetest Milestone
Kaia Gerber, Presley Gerber and Rande Gerber celebrated Cindy Crawford's 57th birthday in February 2023 with a darling cake adorned with fruits and long, golden candles.
For the supermodel, family time was the perfect gift, writing alongside the photo, "When all you want for your birthday is this…"
Cindy Crawford/Instagram
Smooth Sailing
Presley proved he would always be Cindy's little boy while sitting in her lap during a boat ride in August 2017. The mom of two wrote alongside the moment, "Never too old."
Rande Gerber/Instagram
Family Cuddle Session
As Kaia snuggled up close to Cindy while napping, Presley lounged on the couch next to their dog Widget in March 2018.
Kaia Gerber/Instagram
Going Head to Head
The Bottoms actress celebrated her older brother's 21st birthday in July 2020 with a throwback photo of the siblings. While Presley towered over her on the ATV, Kaia stood her ground in front of the four-wheeler.
Kaia Gerber/Instagram
Brotherly Love
Along with the photo of the siblings as kids, Kaia shared a sweet snap of her embracing Presley during a sunny afternoon outing.
Kaia Gerber/Instagram
Lakeside Vacay
Kaia and Presley shared a big hug in July 2017 while hanging out on a lakeside dock.
Kaia Gerber/Instagram
Hugs x2
The Mother Mary actress shared another photo from their lakeside outing a year later while honoring Presley's 19th birthday in July 2018.
"Words can't describe how much I love you, Prez," she captioned the post. "My best friend for life. HAPPY BIRTHDAY BROTHER. my whole heart is there celebrating with you today."
Kaia Gerber/Instagram
Giddy Up!
The model gave Kaia a piggyback ride at a Christmas tree farm in December 2018. She wrote alongside the pic, "It's a sport."
Rande Gerber/Instagram
Day Out With Dad
Rande celebrated National Siblings Day with a photo of Kaia and Presley grabbing food with their dad in April 2018. He captioned the moment, "Lunch with my life."
Kaia Gerber/Instagram
It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year
The siblings, matching in black jackets, tried to catch snowflakes on their tongues in December 2017. Kaia wrote, "Dad always capturing our best moments. merry christmas!"
Rande Gerber/Instagram
Everything on the Menu
Kaia, Presley and Rande posed in front of an IHOP in June 2019 before the family of four sat down for some pancakes.
"Cindy took this while waiting for a table," Rande captioned the pic. "Then we sat down and ordered every picture on the menu. I love my family!"
Photo by Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic, Inc
From the Very Beginning
Presley's public appearances started early, with Cindy attending the premiere of Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron in May 2002 with the then-2-year-old.
Alexander Tamargo/Getty Images for Haute Living
Mother-Son Date
Presley supported his mom as they attended a celebration for her November 2024 cover issue for Haute Living, as well as the 20th anniversary of her beauty brand Meaningful Beauty.
Gilbert Flores/WWD via Getty Images
Always Each Other's Biggest Fans
Presley, Cindy and Rande celebrated Kaia's collaboration with Re/Done for her "Short/Cuts" campaign in May 2026.
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