3 minutes read
Paris Hilton sent message to Presley Gerber just hours before his death was publicly revealed
Patrick H.
Paris Hilton has taken to Instagram to pay an emotional tribute to her late friend Presley Gerber.
Hilton commented on one of Gerber's final Instagram posts on Sunday, September 20, the same day news of his death at the age of 27 was publicly revealed.
Hilton's message to Gerber before his death was revealed
The social media interaction has prompted further speculation online about whether Hilton already knew about Gerber's death when she left the message.
Hilton simply wrote: “Love you bro.” This was accompanied by a heart-face and heart-hands emojis.
One Instagram user suggested that Hilton may have known about the death before the wider public, writing: “He probably died hours ago and she already knew about it. We the public find out last. Many hours later.”
Gerber's final post on his main Instagram account had been published on August 5, with the post featuring the model wearing clothing from Vuori Clothing, a brand his family had reportedly worked with over the previous year.
According to Los Angeles County Medical Examiner records, Gerber, the son of supermodel Cindy Crawford and businessman Rande Gerber, died at a rehabilitation facility at the age of 27.
A representative for his family said: “The family is asking for privacy during this very difficult and painful time.”
Gerber had previously spoken openly about his struggles with mental health and substance abuse, with the model discussing both subjects in social media posts.
His sister Kaia Gerber recently reflected on what the family had experienced during what was described as her brother's “decade long struggle with drug addiction.”
The pair's long-standing friendship
Hilton and Gerber had known each other for years, with the model making his final red-carpet appearance at an event connected to the socialite earlier this year.
On January 20, 2026, Gerber attended the premiere of Paris Hilton's Infinite Icon: A Visual Memoir, with the show since being released online.
Gerber's death has prompted tributes from those who knew him, including members of his family and friends. His mother, Cindy Crawford, previously described him as a “warrior” in response to a post in which he discussed undergoing treatment for his addiction struggles.
The circumstances surrounding Gerber's death remain private, with his family asking for space as they grieve.