An investigation was reportedly launched into the sober living home where Presley Gerber died at the age of 27 last month.
Just three days after the son of supermodel Cindy Crawford and businessman Rande Gerber
was found dead from a suspected overdose at Resolutions Living in Los Angeles Sept. 20, a reform advocate with no relation to Gerber filed a formal complaint with the California Department of Health Care Services, according to reporting by Page Six published Oct. 22.Gerber entered the sober living program, which is part of Resolutions Therapeutic Services and is described on its website as "a leader in addiction and mental health support," just hours before his death. Multiple outlets, including Page Six, later reported he appeared under
the influence when he was admitted.
The complainant, citing Page Six's original article, asked DHCS to investigate whether the facility was operating "beyond the lawful scope of sober living" and if it accepted an Gerber at a time when he required a "higher level of care" than Resolutions Living could provide.
"That allegation raises extremely serious questions about his admission, screening, supervision, and level-of-care determination," the complaint said, noting two main concerns: "Was an individual reportedly under the influence admitted to a sober living residence that was not authorized to provide the level of care he required, and was Resolutions Living actually providing regulated addiction treatment, detoxification, clinical monitoring, or recovery services beyond the lawful scope of sober housing?"
The DHCS determined the complaint was "not substantiated," telling Page Six in a Thursday, Oct. 22 statement that the department "initiated a review solely to determine whether the program was providing any services that would require a state license."
"That review is now complete, and DHCS did not identify any activities that would constitute unlicensed substance use disorder treatment or otherwise require licensure. As such, no violations were found, and the matter is now closed," the statement concluded.
USA TODAY reached out to the California Department of Health Care Services and Resolutions Living for comment.
Presley Gerber cause of death
Resolutions Living offers a program "designed for [patients'] unique needs and individual recovery plans," according to the official website. It is unclear what type of treatment program Gerber was enrolled in, his specific recovery plan or what services the facility provided to him.
At approximately 9:35 a.m. local time Sunday, Sept. 20, authorities responded to the home for a possible overdose. Dispatch audio obtained by People and Page Six revealed the call was also for an individual in "cardiac arrest."
Gerber was declared dead upon arrival, and the Santa Monica Police Department announced there was no indication of foul play in a press release on Monday, Sept. 21. The medical examiner completed an autopsy but listed the case as deferred, meaning "additional testing and/or studies were requested in order to make a determination" on official cause and manner of death.
Cindy Crawford's son Presley Gerber is remembered by his family
The family broke their silence on the loss on Sunday, Oct. 18, with his mom Cindy Crawford sharing a heartfelt Instagram post signed by her husband, Rande Gerber, and their daughter, Kaia Gerber.
"We are beyond heartbroken to lose our beloved son and brother," the post said. "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. We are grateful for the outpouring of love and support from so many who know and love our family and even strangers who feel our pain," it continued. "Til we meet again our sweet boy. We love you forever, Mom, Dad and Kaia."
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental and/or substance use disorders, you can call the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's free and confidential treatment referral and information service at 1-800-662-HELP (4357). It's available 24/7 in English and Spanish (TTY: 1-800-487-4889).
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Presley Gerber's death led to investigation of sober living home: Report
