The untimely death of former NHL player Nicolas Kerdiles shocked the sports world and beyond after he tragically died in a motorcycle accident on Saturday, September 23. Kerdiles had established himself both on and off the rink at the age of just 29. In addition to his hockey career, he had become a real estate professional in Nashville and gained some TV fame as the one-time fiancé of Savannah Chrisley, star of the reality show "Chrisley Knows Best", as mentioned by CBS News.

As reported by the Metro Nashville Police Department, Kerdiles lost his life after his motorcycle ran a stop sign and collided with the driver's side of an SUV. Kerdiles was taken to Vanderbilt University Medical Center, where he eventually succumbed to his injuries. Authorities say neither driver showed signs of impairment, and no charges are anticipated in connection with the crash, according to ABC 7

A native of Irvine, California, Kerdiles had a passion for hockey from an early age. He was drafted by the Anaheim Ducks in 2012, making history as the first player from Orange County to play for the team. Though his time in the NHL was brief, participating in the 2016-17 and the 2017-18 seasons, he later found success in the minor leagues with the Manitoba Moose. The Anaheim Ducks expressed their condolences through social media, calling their former player's passing heartbreaking.

 

We’re heartbroken to hear the news about Nic Kerdiles, who died in a motorcycle accident this morning. An Irvine native, Nic became the first player from Orange County to play for the Ducks, in 2017. Our thoughts and deepest sympathies go out to his family and loved ones. pic.twitter.com/LMcJ47cKkt

— Anaheim Ducks (@AnaheimDucks) September 23, 2023

 

Kerdiles was also known for his contributions to Team USA's under-18 squad, helping them secure two gold medals at the International Ice Hockey Federation's U18 World Championship. In a tweet, USA Hockey described being "heartbroken" by his death, sending their deepest condolences to Kerdiles' family, friends, and teammates.

 

We are heartbroken to hear of the passing of Nic Kerdiles.

Nic helped Team USA to two IIHF U18 World Championship gold medals, played two seasons at the University of Wisconsin & went on to a five-year pro career. We extend our deepest condolences to Nick’s family, friends &… pic.twitter.com/QjDTVikfMj

— USA Hockey (@usahockey) September 23, 2023

 

His alma mater, the University of Wisconsin, also expressed their grief, remembering Kerdiles' "great spirit as part of our Badger family." Friends, loved ones, and fans of the former NHL player and TV personality have flooded social media with tributes, reflecting on the happiness he brought to their lives.

Among those mourning Kerdiles' untimely death is his ex-fiancée, Savannah Chrisley. In a series of emotional posts on Instagram, she paid tribute to the love they shared, saying she'll forever cherish their last messages of love. "Please send me a sign that you're ok...," Chrisley wrote in one of her posts, adding "We loved hard...and I can't wait to ride bikes along the beaches of heaven with you one day." as mentioned by Yahoo News