LOS ANGELES: Supermodel Cindy Crawford and her husband, Rande Gerber, have expressed their profound grief over the death of their son, Presley Gerber, who died at the age of 27 last month.
In a joint Instagram tribute posted on Sunday, nearly a month after his death on Sept 20, the couple described Presley as a beloved son and brother whose presence had been a blessing to their family.
"We are beyond heartbroken to lose our beloved son and brother," they wrote.
"We feel so blessed to have had Presley in our lives for 27 years."
"He is a sweet, beautiful soul who loved and is loved, now and forever. We are so proud of how he showed up in the world, with kindness and vulnerability," the statement continued.
The family also thanked those who had offered support, ending with: "Till we meet again our sweet boy. We love you forever."
Presley's younger sister, model and actress Kaia Gerber, also shared an emotional tribute featuring photographs and videos of the siblings.
In a letter addressed to her brother, she reflected on the difficulty of learning to live without him.
"You know how much I loved being your sister. It has always been, and will forever be, my favourite thing about myself," Kaia wrote, describing Presley as "inherently good" and her "ultimate teacher".
She also reflected on the challenge of maintaining their bond after his death.
"I am learning how to love you when I cannot see you. How to tell you something without picking up my phone to call you. How to be your sister in a world that I can't reach for you in," she wrote.
Presley, the only son of Crawford and businessman Gerber, began modelling as a teenager after signing with IMG Models at 15.
He later worked with fashion brands including Burberry, Dolce & Gabbana and Bottega Veneta.
He had also spoken publicly about his struggles with depression and substance abuse.
Presley died at a rehabilitation facility in Santa Monica, California.
Police are investigating the death as a suspected overdose, but authorities have reported no indication of foul play.
The Los Angeles County medical examiner has deferred determining the cause and manner of death pending further testing.
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