Presley Gerber's Famous Ex Lexi Wood Says He 'Fought So Hard' Before Suspected Overdose

Lexi Wood has paid tribute to her former boyfriend Presley Gerber, describing him as "incredibly resilient" and saying he "fought so hard for his life" following his death at 27.

Wood shared an emotional Instagram tribute on September 22, two days after Gerber's death, reflecting on the years she spent knowing him and describing him as one of the most courageous people in her life.

The model and Summer House alum said their relationship went through different chapters, but that friendship remained at its core.

Gerber died on September 20 at a rehabilitation facility at age 27. Santa Monica police are investigating his death as a suspected overdose, while the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner has deferred determining the official cause and manner of death pending further testing.

Lexi Wood Breaks Her Silence on Presley Gerber's Final Years

Rather than focusing solely on their brief romance, Wood's tribute highlighted the friendship she said continued after their relationship ended.

'It's hard to put into words what it means to lose someone who was such a meaningful part of my life for so many years,' Wood wrote.

She continued by recalling how their relationship evolved over the years, adding that 'friendship was always at the core of it'.

Wood described Gerber as 'one of the kindest, most open, loving, and courageous people' she had known. She also remembered him as deeply romantic and thoughtful.

Wood also reflected on Gerber's personal struggles.

She described him as 'incredibly resilient' and said he 'fought so hard for his life'. She added that he had been brave enough to speak openly about his struggles and wanted to use his story to help other people.

Her comments focused on Gerber's openness about difficult periods and his desire to help others.

Gerber Had Opened Up About His Struggles Before His Death

Gerber had struggled with substance abuse and mental health issues for at least 10 years.

He had previously spoken about that journey publicly through a series of Instagram videos called 'Mental Health Mondays'.

Those details provide context for Wood's comments about his resilience, although her tribute does not establish the circumstances of his death. 'More than anything, he wanted to use his story to help other people, and he did,' Wood wrote.

Gerber was the son of model Cindy Crawford and businessman Rande Gerber and the older brother of model and actress Kaia Gerber.

Their Romance Lasted Just Weeks, But Their Friendship Endured

Gerber and Wood dated for a month in 2022. Their relationship became public after the pair announced it on Instagram. Although their relationship lasted about a month, Wood said their friendship continued over the years.

The pair also made several public appearances together, including the Casamigos Halloween Party in Beverly Hills in October 2022.

Wood later joined the cast of Bravo's Summer House for its ninth season.

She ended her Instagram message by saying she felt 'so lucky' to have shared years of friendship, memories and love with him.

'He will always hold such a special place in my heart, and we will all miss him forever,' she wrote.