Cindy Crawford shared an emotional birthday tribute to her son Presley just two months before his death at the age of 27.
Presley’s death was announced on Sunday. He died at a rehabilitation facility after years of battling drug addiction, panic attacks and mental health challenges.
In July, Cindy, 60, posted two photographs of herself cuddling a young Presley. Alongside the images, she wrote: “Happy birthday I’m so proud of the man you’ve become, but I’ll always see you as my little boy! Love you.”
Cindy had often spoken publicly about supporting her son. In March, she called him a “warrior” as she, her daughter Kaia, 25, and husband Rande Gerber, 64, stood by Presley after he revealed that he had undergone Ibogaine treatment in Mexico.
Ibogaine is a naturally occurring psychoactive substance derived from an African shrub. It has been reported to help ease withdrawal symptoms and reset pathways in the brain.
After Presley shared details of the experience, members of his family posted messages of support. Cindy wrote: “You are a warrior! Walked thru the fire to find yourself! So proud!”
Kaia added: “That’s my brother. I am so damn proud.”
Cindy Crawford shared an emotional birthday tribute to her son Presley two months before his death at the age of 27
In July, Cindy, 60, shared two childhood photographs of herself cuddling a young Presley, writing: “Happy birthday I’m so proud of the man you’ve become, but I’ll always see you as my little boy! Love you”
She posted a heartfelt message in honour of her “little boy”
Presley’s father also praised his son, writing: “I’m so proud of you and your courage. Facing what’s hard takes real strength and watching you find your way back to yourself is everything. I love you so much.”
In his post, Presley described the period before receiving an Ibogaine “flood dose.” He wrote: “Pre Ibogaine Flood Dose – quiet moment before everything changed. i was absolutely terrified, and I knew I would be again if I ever had to face something like this (helps to not go into the situations you do that get ya there but that’s life sometimes)…
“My mantras were love yourself and lis gotta be the last time for this reason. letting go of control didn’t come easy, but I trusted there was something bigger than me guiding it. I knew why i was there. I faced what I had been running from, and somewhere in all of it, i started finding my way back to myself…. We shall see…. Praying it’s the last time I have to come back…
“Next time I’d like to choose. And absolutely can’t forget the incredible caring kind and on their sh*t team. Helps a lot haha. And I made some dope ass friends there #iboga #ibogaine #rewireyourbrain #loveyourself #mentalhealth.”
Presley’s death came weeks after his younger sister Kaia discussed the profound impact of his struggles on their family. Speaking to Vogue, she said: “When something like that happens in a family, it kind of levels everyone.”
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Presley died on Sunday at a rehabilitation facility, according to TMZ. His cause of death has not been disclosed (L-r: Kaia, Rande, Cindy and Presley in 2018)
Ibogaine is a naturally occurring psychoactive substance derived from an African shrub and has been reported to help with withdrawal symptoms and reset brain pathways
A spokesperson for Crawford told the Daily Mail: “The family is asking for privacy during this very difficult and painful time.”
The tragedy has cut short the life of a model who appeared destined to follow his famous mother into the fashion industry from a young age.
Presley began modeling at 15 and went on to appear in campaigns for major fashion brands including Dolce & Gabbana and Calvin Klein.
Presley was signed to IMG models and appeared in a 2018 Pepsi ad with his mother.
He also struggled with mental health at a young age and was arrested for driving under the influence in 2019.
Presley with his mother in November 2024
Ibogaine, an extract from the iboga plant, is classified as a Schedule I controlled substance in the United States.
Despite its ban, public figures including singer and songwriter Melissa Etheridge – who lost her 21-year-old son Beckett to a fentanyl overdose in 2020 – and former NBA star Lamar Odom have endorsed its benefits.
And a Stanford University study published in January 2024 reported that ibogaine significantly improved symptoms of anxiety and depression in 30 veterans.
According to the Washington Post, ibogaine became prohibited in America in 1967.
‘It heals the brain,’ neurologist Deborah Mash explained to the publication in March 2024, noting that the substance rewires the organ by promoting growth of ‘neural networks in damaged brains.’