George Clooney Breaks Silence on Presley Gerber’s Death: ‘The Worst Thing That Could Ever Happen to a Family’

LONDON — George Clooney has spoken publicly for the first time about the death of Presley Gerber, the 27-year-old son of his longtime friends Cindy Crawford and Rande Gerber, describing the loss as one of the most devastating experiences his family has faced.

The Ocean’s Eleven star made the emotional remarks while attending the 2026 Albies in London on Friday, October 9. The event was hosted by the Clooney Foundation for Justice, and Clooney appeared alongside his wife, Amal.

When asked by Entertainment Tonight whether he and the Gerber family were considering a special way to honor Presley’s legacy, Clooney acknowledged that the family was still struggling to process the tragedy.

“I don’t think it’s … we’re even in the position of being able to talk about it,” he said.

“Quite honestly, one of the most devastating things that’s happened to our family,” Clooney continued. “And their family is just, as you can imagine — it’s the worst thing that could ever happen to a family.”

A Friendship That Spans Decades

Clooney has been close to Rande Gerber for decades, with their friendship extending beyond their personal lives into business. The pair co-founded Casamigos tequila in 2013, building a successful brand together before selling it in 2017.

Over the years, Clooney also became a familiar presence in the lives of Rande and Crawford’s children, Presley and Kaia Gerber. His longstanding connection to the family has made the loss especially personal.

According to a source previously quoted by PEOPLE, Clooney and Amal traveled to Los Angeles after learning of Presley’s death and have been helping the family with arrangements and other needs.

The source said the couple had been “taking shifts” with the Gerbers to help ensure they were not left alone as they grieved. Clooney has been particularly close to both Presley and his younger sister, Kaia.

Presley Gerber Died at 27

Presley died on September 20, 2026, at a rehabilitation facility in Santa Monica, California. He was 27.

Police said officers responded to a report of a possible overdose that morning and found an adult male deceased. The Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner identified him as Presley Gerber.

Authorities have investigated the circumstances surrounding his death as a possible overdose. An official cause of death had not been established in the reports available at the time of publication.

The model had previously spoken publicly about his struggles with mental health and substance use. In a video shared on social media in December 2025, he discussed the treatments and medications he had tried and expressed hope that sharing his experience might help others facing similar challenges.

“I have a feeling that if I say all of this, a lot of people will at least know that there’s someone else going through it,” he said in the now-deleted video.

A Family Surrounded by Support

Crawford and Rande have not publicly detailed the full circumstances surrounding their son’s death. Their representative previously asked for privacy as the family navigated what was described as an extremely painful period.

Clooney’s comments offered a rare glimpse into the grief shared by those closest to the family. Rather than discussing plans to memorialize Presley, the actor emphasized how difficult it remained for everyone involved to find words for the loss.

For Clooney and Amal, their support has extended beyond public condolences to being present for longtime friends during an intensely personal tragedy.

As the family continues to mourn Presley, Clooney’s remarks underscore the profound impact of his death on the people who knew and loved him.