Cindy Crawford, Rande Gerber and Kaia Gerber have shared their first public words about Presley Gerber, the son and brother they lost last month at just 27. On Sunday, October 18, the family posted a joint statement on each of their social media accounts, and Kaia added a deeply personal tribute of her own, according to ABC News and Deadline.

Presley died in late September at a facility in Santa Monica, both outlets report. Deadline gives the date as September 20, while ABC News reports September 21. Our thoughts are with the whole family.

"A sweet, beautiful soul"

The family's statement, signed "Mom, Dad and Kaia," was full of love. Deadline published it in full:

"We are beyond heartbroken to lose our beloved son and brother. We feel so blessed to have had Presley in our lives for 27 years," the statement began, as shared by Deadline. "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."

Notice the present tense: he is a sweet, beautiful soul, who is loved. It is the kind of detail that says everything about how the family is holding on to him.

The statement ended with thanks to the people who have reached out. "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. Til we meet again our sweet boy. We love you forever, Mom, Dad and Kaia," it read, according to ABC News.

Kaia's words for her big brother

Kaia, the model and actress, also posted her own message, along with throwback photos and videos, Deadline reports.

"You know how much I loved being your sister. It has always been, and will forever be, my favorite thing about myself," she wrote, in part, as quoted by ABC News.

"I came into this world with a white-knuckle grip around you. I had more love for you than I knew what to do with. And now that it has nowhere obvious to go, I'm certain it's going to swallow me whole," she continued. "You were my ultimate teacher while you were here, and now I'm left wondering what I could possibly be taught in your absence."

Fans of the family have long adored how close the Gerber siblings are, and reading Kaia's words, it is easy to see why. "My favorite thing about myself" may be one of the most tender lines a sister has ever written.

Following in his mom's footsteps

Presley, Cindy and Rande's first-born, followed his supermodel mom into fashion. ABC News reports that he signed with IMG Models at 15 and walked runway shows for brands including Moschino and Dolce & Gabbana.

He was also known for his openness. ABC News and Deadline both note that in recent years he spoke candidly about his mental health and his treatment, sharing his journey with followers on Instagram. That honesty is exactly what his family meant when they praised how he "showed up in the world, with kindness and vulnerability."

What we know

The official cause and manner of Presley's death have not been publicly released, ABC News reports. According to Deadline, the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner's Office deferred its ruling while the Santa Monica Police Department continues its investigation. House of Grey News will not speculate, and we'll only update this story with official information.

A family wrapped in love

This was the family's first public statement since Presley's death, and their decision to finally speak was about gratitude as much as loss. Their statement thanked not only friends but "even strangers who feel our pain," a sign of how much the messages of support have meant to them.

For everyone who grew up watching the Crawford-Gerber family on red carpets and magazine covers, the statement is a reminder that behind the famous faces is a mom, a dad and a little sister who simply miss their boy. Til we meet again, sweet Presley.