Presley Gerber was reportedly prescribed ketamine before his death

Presley Gerber’s doctor allegedly prescribed him ketamine despite being aware of his reported issues with the substance, according to people who were regularly in contact with the model before his death.

Sources with direct knowledge told TMZ that ketamine had been a recurring concern for Gerber. However, it remains unclear whether ketamine or any other drug was present in his system when he died.

Gerber died at a rehabilitation facility on Sunday, September 20, at the age of 27. His official cause of death has not yet been released. An autopsy has been completed, but authorities are still awaiting toxicology results and other findings.

People who had contact with Gerber during his final hours reportedly told TMZ that he appeared to be under the influence while at the rehab facility. The source of any drugs involved remains under investigation, with police reportedly speaking to other patients at the facility.

Gerber had previously discussed his struggles with ketamine with close friends, according to the sources. Some people close to him have questioned why he was prescribed the drug and have called for further investigation into the circumstances.

Ketamine has medical uses, including anaesthesia and certain mental health treatments, although its use and regulation vary depending on the treatment and jurisdiction. It is not FDA-approved specifically to treat drug addiction.

Gerber had reportedly explored alternative approaches to addiction treatment in the months before his death, including ibogaine, a psychoactive substance that has been studied in connection with substance use disorders.

His death has drawn comparisons to the 2023 death of actor Matthew Perry, who had received ketamine treatment. However, the circumstances surrounding the two cases are different, and there is currently no confirmed evidence linking Gerber’s death to ketamine.

Authorities have yet to determine Gerber’s official cause of death.