The Tragic End Of A Promising Career: 7 Key Facts About Nicolas Kerdiles' Life, Hockey Legacy, And Final Days

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The world of professional hockey and reality television was stunned by the tragic passing of Nicolas Kerdiles, a former NHL player whose life was characterized by athletic promise, a high-profile romance, and an untimely end. Kerdiles, known for his brief but impactful career with the Anaheim Ducks organization and his relationship with reality star Savannah Chrisley, left behind a legacy that transcended the rink, capturing the public's attention both on and off the ice. As of late 2025, the conversation surrounding Kerdiles remains focused on honoring his memory, particularly after his sudden death in September 2023. This deep dive explores the key facets of his life, from his French-American roots and college hockey stardom to his brief NHL stint and the unfortunate circumstances that brought his journey to a close at the age of 29. The information presented here is based on the freshest and most recent public records and media reports following the incident.

Nicolas Kerdiles: A Full Biography and Profile

Nicolas Kerdiles’ life was a unique blend of high-level athletics and mainstream media exposure. Here is a comprehensive profile of the late professional hockey player:

  • Full Name: Nicolas Kerdiles
  • Date of Birth: January 11, 1994
  • Date of Death: September 23, 2023
  • Age at Death: 29
  • Place of Birth: Lewisville, Texas (Though he held dual American and French citizenship, and spent time in France)
  • Hometown: Irvine, California
  • Nationality: American / French (Dual Citizenship)
  • Height: 6 ft 2 in (188 cm)
  • Weight: 205 lb (93 kg)
  • Position: Left Wing / Center (Forward)
  • NHL Draft: 2012 NHL Entry Draft, 2nd Round, 36th overall, by the Anaheim Ducks
  • Major Teams: University of Wisconsin (NCAA), San Diego Gulls (AHL), Anaheim Ducks (NHL)
  • High-Profile Relationship: Savannah Chrisley (Dating 2017–2020, engaged in 2019)
  • Cause of Death: Motorcycle crash in Nashville, Tennessee

The Hockey Career Trajectory: From Wisconsin Badgers to the Anaheim Ducks

Kerdiles was a highly touted prospect whose career trajectory was marked by significant achievements at the amateur level, leading to a promising professional start. His early life was spent in California, but his talent saw him move through elite hockey programs.

College Stardom and NHL Draft Selection

Kerdiles first gained national attention during his tenure with the U.S. National Team Development Program (USNTDP) and later at the University of Wisconsin. Playing for the Wisconsin Badgers in the WCHA, he quickly established himself as a dominant forward. In the 2012-13 season, Kerdiles registered 11 goals and 22 assists in 32 games, showcasing his offensive prowess.

His impressive performance led to him being selected by his hometown team, the Anaheim Ducks, in the second round (36th overall) of the 2012 NHL Entry Draft. This selection positioned him as one of the organization's top forward prospects, carrying the hopes of local fans.

Professional Play and NHL Debut

After turning professional, Kerdiles spent the majority of his time with the Ducks' American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the San Diego Gulls. He was a consistent presence in the AHL, where he honed his skills against other top prospects. Kerdiles made history on February 23, 2017, when he became the first player from Orange County, California, to play for the Anaheim Ducks, a significant milestone for local hockey development.

Ultimately, his NHL career was brief, spanning only three games across two seasons with the Ducks (2016-17 and 2017-18). He also spent a short time in the Winnipeg Jets organization before injuries and personal challenges led to his retirement from professional hockey in 2019. Despite the brevity of his time in the NHL, Kerdiles's impact as a local talent and a dedicated player is often remembered by the Ducks community.

The Chrisley Knows Best Connection and High-Profile Romance

Beyond the hockey rink, Nicolas Kerdiles achieved a different level of fame through his highly publicized relationship with reality television star Savannah Chrisley. This connection brought him into the spotlight of the entertainment world, far removed from the intensity of professional sports.

Kerdiles and the Chrisley Knows Best star began dating in late 2017. Their relationship was documented on the reality series and its spin-off, Growing Up Chrisley, giving fans an intimate look into their lives.

Engagement and the Breakup

The relationship reached its peak when Kerdiles proposed to Savannah Chrisley on Christmas Eve 2018, leading to a high-profile engagement that was celebrated by fans of the show.

However, the pressures of the public eye and personal issues ultimately led to the couple calling off their engagement and ending their relationship in 2020. Despite the split, Kerdiles remained a figure of interest in the reality television sphere, and he and Chrisley maintained a complex, supportive relationship until his death.

The relationship provided a unique platform for Kerdiles to discuss topics outside of hockey, including his own struggles with mental health, which he often shared openly on social media. This openness resonated with many fans, establishing a different kind of connection with the public.

The Tragic Passing and Lasting Legacy

The most recent and heartbreaking news concerning Nicolas Kerdiles was his sudden death in September 2023. This tragic event shocked both the hockey and reality television communities, leading to an outpouring of grief and remembrance.

Circumstances of the Fatal Accident

Nicolas Kerdiles died on September 23, 2023, following a motorcycle crash in Nashville, Tennessee. According to police reports, the accident occurred early in the morning. Kerdiles was transported to Vanderbilt University Medical Center, where he later succumbed to his injuries.

Law enforcement officials investigated the scene, and based on the available evidence, no charges were anticipated in connection with the crash. The official determination ruled the fatal crash as accidental, concluding a life that was full of promise but cut tragically short.

Tributes and Emotional Response

The announcement of Kerdiles's passing prompted immediate and emotional tributes from his former teams and loved ones. The Anaheim Ducks organization released a statement expressing their sorrow over the loss of their former player. Tributes poured in from his former fiancé, Savannah Chrisley, and her family, highlighting the deep affection and respect that remained despite their breakup. Chrisley expressed profound grief and regret over the finality of their separation, underscoring the enduring connection they shared.

Kerdiles's legacy is defined by more than just his athletic statistics. He is remembered as a pioneering Californian player in the NHL, a central figure in a high-profile reality TV narrative, and a young man who was open about his personal struggles. His tragic passing serves as a somber reminder of a professional athlete whose life, though brief, was lived intensely in the public eye, leaving behind a complex and memorable footprint.

nicolas kerdiles
nicolas kerdiles

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