Paris Hilton has shared an emotional tribute to her friend Presley Gerber, saying she is “heartbroken” following the model’s sudden death at 27.
The 45-year-old socialite had commented on Gerber’s final Instagram post just hours before news of his death emerged on Sunday.
Hilton posted a photograph of herself with Gerber on her Instagram Stories, writing: “I’m completely heartbroken. I still can’t believe this is real.”
“Presley, you were such a beautiful soul. So sweet, sensitive, kind and genuine. I cared about you so much, and I’m going to miss you more than words can say.”
She said she would “cherish the memories” they created over the years, including “the laughs, the conversations, and just being around you.”
“You had such a gentle heart and there was something so special about you that anyone who was lucky enough to know you could feel.”
Paris Hilton, 45, has paid an emotional tribute to her friend Presley Gerber, saying she is “heartbroken” after his sudden death at 27; seen in January in Santa Monica
Hilton shared a photograph of herself with Presley on Instagram Stories, writing: “I’m completely heartbroken. I still can’t believe this is real”
Hilton continued: “I hope you knew how deeply loved you were and how many people cared about you.”
The television personality concluded her message by sending her condolences to Gerber’s loved ones.
“My heart is with your entire family during this unimaginable time. Rest in peace, my friend. Love you forever. You will be so deeply missed.”
Just hours before news of his shocking death became public, Hilton had commented on Gerber’s August post, in which he modeled clothing from the brand Vuori.
“Love you bro,” she wrote in the comments, adding a heart-face emoji and a heart-hands emoji.
Gerber had not posted on his main Instagram feed since sharing the images earlier this year.
His final red-carpet appearance came on January 20, when he attended the premiere of Hilton’s Infinite Icon: A Visual Memoir documentary.
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner said Gerber died Sunday at a rehabilitation facility, according to TMZ. His cause of death has not been disclosed.
The socialite commented on Gerber’s August post, which showed him modeling clothing from the brand Vuori
“Love you bro,” she wrote in the comments, adding a heart-face emoji and a heart-hands emoji
In his final Instagram photos, Gerber wore pieces from the athleisure company while posing outdoors in a black shirt and black track pants.
In some of the images, he smiled for the camera, while another captured him bending over and laughing during a lighthearted moment.
Four months before his passing, Presley was seen smiling alongside his mom Cindy Crawford and younger sister Kaia Gerber in heartbreaking last public photos.
The model had supported his sibling at the RE/DONE x Kaia Gerber Short/Cuts Launch event in May in L.A.
His mother as well as dad Rande Gerber had also made an appearance as the family paused for photos together outside. Presley could be seen standing next to his sister while holding a big grin on his face.
Later in the evening, the pair posed for another picture as he wrapped his arm around Kaia in a side embrace.
Crawford’s representative told Our News Outlet in a statement: ‘The family is asking for privacy during this very difficult and painful time.’
Last month, Presley’s sister Kaia revealed how his drug use and mental health struggles had affected their family.
His last Instagram photos showed Presley wearing pieces from the athleisure company while posing outdoors in a black shirt and black track pants
Notably, his last red carpet appearance was on January 20 for the premiere of Hilton’s Infinite Icon: A Visual Memoir documentary (pictured)
Presley died Sunday at a rehab facility, according to TMZ. His cause of death was not revealed; Seen with mom Cindy Crawford in 2018
Four months before his passing, Presley was seen smiling alongside his mom Cindy and younger sister Kaia Gerber in heartbreaking last public photos
‘When something like that happens in a family, it kind of levels everyone,’ she told Vogue.
Last November, Presley revealed he had taken a step back from social media to ‘take care of my own mental health for a bit.’
One month later, he opened up about his personal life in a candid social media video.
Sister, Kaia, said her brother’s troubles made her want to be the ‘easy’ child.
She explained, ‘I think that’s also why I started to self-identify as the easy one and never wanted to ask for help. Because it felt like too much to have two children who were needing.’
He listed medication he takes for ‘night terrors’ and ‘panic attacks.’
‘I feel like honesty is the best policy,’ he began before sharing that he was on 1mg of Buprenorphine, used to treat both pain and opioid use disorders, twice a day.
Presley also shared that the ‘benzos have been fluctuating up and down depending on what’s been going on in my life.’
Benzodiazepines help ‘slow down activity in your brain and nervous system’ to treat ‘anxiety and related mental health conditions,’ per Cleveland Clinic.
‘Unfortunately, I’ve had a lot of loss in many different forms recently, so that is not an excuse, but it’s the reason why I am where I’m at now,’ he shared.
He did not go into detail about the ‘loss’ he referenced, but went on to explain that he also takes a dose of Xanax at night or when his ‘panic attacks are really, really bad.’
Last month, Presley’s sister Kaia revealed how his drug use and mental health struggles had affected their family; seen in 2018 in London
Presley previously opened up about medication he is taking to aid in his struggles which include ‘night terrors’ and ‘panic attacks’
Last November, Presley was open with his mental health and told how he had taken a ‘step back’ to take care of himself
The model then listed Valium, admitting that he didn’t know exactly how much he’d been taking as he said, ‘Who f***ing knows anymore.’
He noted in the Instagram reel that ‘doctors say a lot of different things so it’s kind of scary. But hopefully between my research and their research and the world and God, we can finally figure this out.’
Presley also talked about the lack of ‘direction’ he has from doctors when it comes to his medication.
‘I’d like doctors to be like, “Take this three times a day.” But every psychiatrist I’ve had – and I’ve had 15 – are like, “Here’s 20 medications and take this if you feel like this, take this as needed.”
‘And I’m like, “No, don’t give me that much leeway.” I need some direction,’ he continued.
Sister, Kaia, told Vogue that witnessing her brother’s honesty was ‘refreshing.’
‘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.” There’s only so much you can hide from the world,’ she said.
‘And trying to put a lid on something just makes the person feel like you’re ashamed of them.’
This past May, Presley expressed gratitude for his father in a heartfelt Instagram post.
He posted a photo of them paddle boarding and wrote, ‘I have the best father in the world. He’s never given up on me. He’s always there for me. Always has the best advice for me.
Presley, Rande, Kaia and Cindy pictured in 2008
‘I appreciate this man more than words can explain. I love you pops. To more paddle boarding days around the world.’
Crawford showed her support in the comments, writing, ‘My boys!’ and the father of two wrote, ‘I am honored [to] take this ride called life with you over and over any time. Sometimes we may fall but with a little help always get back up. I love you forever Prez.’
Presley was open about his mental health struggles noting how he had issues from ‘a very young age’ – and labeled it as ‘the ultimate pandemic.’
During an appearance on the Studio 22 podcast in 2023, Presley had shared, ‘It is such a big part of my life. It’s a 24/7 job, and there’s so much to it.
‘That is really what I want to do – help people, whether you’re depressed, you’re struggling with something that is having a negative effect on your body.’
