The Tragic Life And Legacy Of Nic Kerdiles: 5 Key Details About The NHL Player And Savannah Chrisley's Ex-Fiancé

The news of Nic Kerdiles' passing in late 2023 sent shockwaves through the hockey and reality television communities, marking a deeply tragic end to the life of a young man who was just beginning a successful second career. As of December 12, 2025, the reflections and heartfelt tributes from his former fiancée, Savannah Chrisley, and his family continue to keep his memory alive, highlighting the profound loss felt by all who knew him. Kerdiles, a former professional ice hockey forward, was remembered not only for his time with the Anaheim Ducks but also for his infectious personality and ambitious spirit.

The sudden nature of his death has prompted many to look back at the full, multi-faceted life of Nicolas Kerdiles, from his groundbreaking NHL career as an Orange County native to his high-profile relationship and his pivot to the competitive world of Nashville real estate. His story is one of athletic achievement, reality TV fame, and a heartbreaking final chapter.

Nicolas Kerdiles: A Full Biography and Profile

Nicolas "Nic" Kerdiles was a professional athlete and businessman whose life, though brief, was filled with significant milestones in both sports and media. His profile is a unique blend of NHL rigor and reality TV spotlight.

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• Full Name: Nicolas Kerdiles
• Born: January 11, 1994
• Birthplace: Lewisville, Texas, USA
• Died: September 23, 2023 (Age 29)
• Cause of Death: Injuries sustained in a motorcycle crash
• Primary Career: Professional Ice Hockey Forward (Retired)
• Post-Hockey Career: Licensed Real Estate Agent in Nashville, Tennessee
• NHL Draft: 2012, Anaheim Ducks (2nd Round, 36th Overall)
• NHL Teams: Anaheim Ducks (briefly, 2016–2018)
• College: University of Wisconsin–Madison (Wisconsin Badgers)
• Notable Relationship: Engaged to reality TV star Savannah Chrisley (*Chrisley Knows Best*)
• Key Achievement: First player from Orange County, California, to play for the Anaheim Ducks.

1. The Tragic and Sudden End: Details of the Nashville Crash

The most recent and devastating news regarding Nic Kerdiles is his untimely death. The former hockey player passed away on September 23, 2023, following a fatal motorcycle crash in Nashville, Tennessee.

The tragic accident occurred around 3:30 AM on a Saturday morning. Kerdiles, who had relocated to Nashville after his hockey career, was pronounced dead at the scene from injuries sustained in the crash. The determination of the cause of death was officially ruled as the result of the motorcycle accident.

His passing at the age of 29 was a shocking loss, especially given his vibrant post-hockey career and public profile. The news was met with immediate tributes from the Anaheim Ducks organization, who expressed their heartbreak over the loss of the Orange County native.

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2. A Groundbreaking NHL Career and College Stardom

Before his transition to real estate, Nic Kerdiles was a highly touted professional hockey prospect. His career was marked by a series of significant firsts and strong performances at the collegiate level.

From Wisconsin Badgers to the Anaheim Ducks

Kerdiles attended the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where he played two seasons of NCAA Division I hockey for the Wisconsin Badgers. During his college tenure, he was a standout forward, accumulating impressive stats and setting the stage for his professional career.

He was drafted by the Anaheim Ducks in the second round of the 2012 NHL Draft, 36th overall. This selection was especially notable as he became the first player from Orange County, California—the Ducks' home base—to ever be drafted and play for the team. This achievement was a point of pride for both Kerdiles and the local hockey community.

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While his NHL career was brief—playing only three games for the Ducks between 2016 and 2018—he spent the majority of his professional tenure with the Ducks' American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the San Diego Gulls, where he was a key contributor.

3. The High-Profile Romance with Savannah Chrisley

For many outside the hockey world, Nic Kerdiles was best known for his on-again, off-again relationship with reality television star Savannah Chrisley, famous for the show *Chrisley Knows Best* and its spin-off, *Growing Up Chrisley*.

The couple began dating and eventually got engaged in 2018. Their relationship was a major storyline on the reality shows, giving Kerdiles a significant public profile beyond the rink. However, they ultimately decided to call off the engagement in 2020, though they remained close friends, a detail that has added a layer of complexity to the recent tragedy.

Savannah Chrisley’s Heartbreaking Regrets

In the aftermath of his death, Savannah Chrisley has been vocal about her grief and the painful regrets she carries. She shared a heartfelt message on her weekly podcast, reflecting on the difficulty of breaking the news to her father, Todd Chrisley, and expressing a deep sense of loss.

Chrisley has openly discussed feeling "so many regrets" about their relationship, specifically wishing she had handled certain situations differently and valued their time together more. Her public reflections offer a poignant and recent look into the deep, lasting bond the two shared, even after their romantic relationship ended.

4. The Ambitious Pivot to Nashville Real Estate

Following his retirement from professional hockey in 2019, Nic Kerdiles made a decisive career change, leveraging his competitive drive and public recognition to enter the real estate market in Nashville, Tennessee.

This transition was a testament to his ambition. He obtained his license and became a licensed real estate professional, working with prestigious firms in the area, including Zeitlin Sotheby's International Realty and Compass. Kerdiles specialized in the luxury market, using the discipline and networking skills he developed during his NHL and AHL days to build a successful new venture. His presence in the Nashville area further cemented his connection to the Chrisley family's orbit, as they are also based in the region.

5. A Legacy of Drive and Warmth

Beyond the statistics and the headlines, Nic Kerdiles is remembered by those close to him as a person with immense warmth, a captivating smile, and a relentless drive. His life was a journey from a promising young athlete to a reality TV personality and a rising real estate entrepreneur.

His story serves as a reminder of a life lived fully, marked by high-profile success and personal challenges, tragically cut short. The outpouring of support and the ongoing tributes from the hockey world, the reality TV sphere, and the Nashville community underscore the wide-reaching impact Kerdiles had during his 29 years. His legacy is one of a dedicated athlete and a beloved friend whose memory continues to resonate deeply.