Presley Gerber, the 27-year-old son of supermodel Cindy Crawford and businessman Rande Gerber, died at a sober living facility in September 2026. His death is being investigated as a suspected overdose. Despite his family’s resources and access to treatment, Presley had publicly expressed frustration with his psychiatric care and the number of medications he had been prescribed. His death raises questions about addiction, overprescribing, and how families can find effective help for someone they love.

In this episode of Zone 7, Sheryl McCollum welcomes her sister, board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner Shelley Halligan, to discuss the challenges of treating addiction and the risks associated with certain prescription medications. They talk about counterfeit pills, the dangers of mixing substances, and the questions patients should ask before taking new medications. For families trying to help a loved one, Shelley offers advice on researching treatment centers, explains why facilities that claim to treat everything deserve a closer look, and stresses the importance of researching treatment options.

Highlights:

(0:00) Sheryl reflects on Cindy Crawford and the suspected overdose death of her son, Presley Gerber

(5:00) Shelley explains addiction and the emotional pain that can contribute to substance use

(7:30) Presley’s public frustration with psychiatric care and the number of medications he was prescribed

(9:15) Fentanyl, kratom, and the risks associated with high-potency THC

(12:45) Sheryl recalls a childhood prescription medication dosing error involving Shelley

(15:45) Questions patients should ask about prescribed medications and how to dispose of unused pills safely

(18:00) What families should look for when choosing an addiction treatment facility

(20:45) Shelley’s approach to evaluating multiple prescriptions and reducing unnecessary medications

(23:15) Counterfeit pills, fentanyl, and the dangers of taking medication from someone else

(26:45) Shelley shares stories of addiction-related loss and why she remains hopeful about recovery

(30:45) The importance of asking questions, advocating for loved ones, and removing the shame surrounding addiction

Enjoying Zone 7? Leave a rating and review where you listen to podcasts. Your feedback helps others find the show and supports the mission to educate, engage, and inspire.

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Dr. Shelley Halligan is a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with certifications in mental health first aid and advanced practice addiction nursing. She specializes in addiction treatment and recovery with a focus on individualized, patient-centered care.

Sheryl “Mac” McCollum is an active crime scene investigator for a metro Atlanta police department and the director of the Cold Case Investigative Research Institute, which partners with colleges and universities nationwide. With more than four decades of experience, she has worked on thousands of cold cases using her investigative system, The Last 24/361, which integrates evidence, media, and advanced forensic testing.

Her work on high-profile cases, including The Boston Strangler, Natalie Holloway, Tupac Shakur and the Moore’s Ford Bridge lynching, led to her Emmy Award for CSI: Atlanta and induction into the National Law Enforcement Hall of Fame in 2023.

Social Links:

Email: coldcase2004@gmail.com

X: @ColdCaseTips

Facebook: @sheryl.mccollum

Instagram: @officialzone7podcast

TikTok: @Sheryl.McCollum

Sheryl’s new book, Swans Don’t Swim in a Sewer: Solving the Cold Case of the Flint

River Killer’s Daughter, is available now wherever books are sold.