The Tragic Final Ride: New Details Emerge In Nic Kerdiles' Fatal Motorcycle Crash

The tragic death of former NHL player Nicolas 'Nic' Kerdiles on September 23, 2023, sent shockwaves through the hockey and reality television communities, particularly due to his high-profile relationship with Savannah Chrisley. The 29-year-old athlete, known for his promising career with the Anaheim Ducks and his appearances on Chrisley Knows Best, succumbed to injuries from a devastating early morning motorcycle accident in Nashville, Tennessee. Details emerging in the months following the crash, including a critical toxicology report, paint a complex and heartbreaking picture of the circumstances surrounding the loss of a young life full of promise. As of December 18, 2025, new perspectives from his loved ones continue to surface, revealing the lasting emotional impact of his sudden passing.

The latest information confirms the accident was a single-vehicle-at-fault crash, where Kerdiles ran a stop sign and collided with another vehicle. While initial reports were devastating enough, the subsequent official findings, particularly concerning his blood alcohol level, have added a layer of profound sadness to the already tragic event, forcing an uncomfortable but necessary conversation about the unseen struggles of a former professional athlete.

The Life and Career of Nicolas 'Nic' Kerdiles: A Full Biography

Nicolas Kerdiles was a highly respected athlete who made history in his hockey career before transitioning into the world of luxury real estate. His life was marked by dedication to his sport and a vibrant public relationship that kept him in the spotlight.

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• Full Name: Nicolas Kerdiles
• Date of Birth: January 11, 1994
• Place of Birth: Lewisville, Texas, U.S.
• Parents: Michel Kerdiles (French father) and Nathalie Kerdiles (French-Canadian mother). He was a native French speaker.
• Date of Death: September 23, 2023 (Age 29)
• Place of Death: Nashville, Tennessee, U.S.
• Cause of Death: Multiple Blunt Traumatic Injuries (Motorcycle Accident)
• Education: University of Wisconsin–Madison (Played for the Wisconsin Badgers)
• NHL Draft: Selected by the Anaheim Ducks in the 2nd round (36th overall) of the 2012 NHL Entry Draft.
• NHL Teams: Anaheim Ducks (2016–2018). He was the first player raised in Orange County, California, to play for the Ducks.
• Minor League Teams: Norfolk Admirals (AHL), San Diego Gulls (AHL), Manitoba Moose (AHL).
• International Career: Represented Team USA, winning gold medals at the IIHF World U18 Championships in 2011 and 2012.
• Post-Playing Career: Licensed real estate broker in the Nashville area, specializing in luxury home sales.
• Notable Relationship: Dated and was engaged to reality TV star Savannah Chrisley (2017–2020).

Unpacking the Fatal Accident and the Autopsy's Findings

The details surrounding Nic Kerdiles’ fatal motorcycle crash provide a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the devastating consequences of impaired driving. The accident occurred in a residential area of Nashville at approximately 3:30 a.m. on a Saturday morning.

According to the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department, Kerdiles was riding his Indian Motorcycle when he allegedly drove through a stop sign. His motorcycle then collided with the driver's side of a BMW SUV. The driver of the SUV was reportedly uninjured, but Kerdiles was transported to Vanderbilt University Medical Center, where he later succumbed to his injuries.

The official cause of death was ruled accidental, resulting from multiple blunt traumatic injuries, which included broken bones, abrasions, and bruising of the brain. However, a subsequent autopsy report, which was made public in November 2023, revealed a disturbing detail that re-contextualized the tragedy. The toxicology report indicated that Kerdiles' blood alcohol concentration (BAC) was estimated to be 0.124 percent at the time of the crash. This figure is one and a half times higher than Tennessee's legal limit for driving, which is 0.08 percent.

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This finding transformed the narrative from a simple, tragic accident to one involving significant risk factors, highlighting the complex personal struggles the former athlete may have been facing away from the public eye. The news of the BAC level was a difficult revelation for his family, friends, and the public who had followed his career and personal life.

Savannah Chrisley's Heartfelt Regrets and Ongoing Grief

Nic Kerdiles was perhaps most widely known for his relationship with reality television personality Savannah Chrisley, which was heavily documented on the shows Chrisley Knows Best and Growing Up Chrisley. Despite calling off their engagement and officially separating in 2020, the pair maintained an on-again, off-again friendship and a deep, mutual love for years.

Savannah Chrisley’s reaction to his sudden death has provided some of the most emotional and recent updates on the tragedy. She was mid-flight to visit her father, Todd Chrisley, in federal prison when she received the devastating news. She recounted the difficulty of learning the news and then having to deliver the message to her father and brother, Chase, during her visitation.

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In interviews and on her "Unlocked" podcast, Chrisley has been candid about the depth of her grief and her struggle with what she calls her "first real loss" as an adult. More recently, in early 2025, she opened up about having "so many regrets" regarding their relationship and things she had said publicly, wishing she could have apologized for conversations they never had. She emphasized the complexity of their bond, stating, "We loved hard... and I can't wait to ride bikes along the beaches of heaven with you one day."

Chrisley also shared how Kerdiles had been a steadfast friend to her family, even showing up for them as they dealt with their legal issues, including driving her father to prison. This dedication underscores the enduring nature of their connection, even after their romantic relationship ended. She continues to honor his memory, marking the one-year anniversary of his death in September 2024 with a touching tribute, admitting that a part of her always thought they might find their way back to each other.

The Enduring Legacy of an Orange County Pioneer

Beyond the headlines of the tragic accident and his reality TV connection, Nic Kerdiles left a significant mark on the ice hockey world. He was a highly touted prospect who achieved a major milestone by becoming the first player from Orange County, California, to play for the Anaheim Ducks. His brief NHL stint was the culmination of years of dedication, including winning two gold medals with Team USA at the IIHF World U18 Championships.

After his playing career was cut short due to injuries and trades, Kerdiles successfully transitioned into a new profession as a real estate agent in Nashville, where he specialized in selling multi-million dollar homes. His ability to pivot and find success in a completely different field is a testament to his drive and work ethic.

Tributes from his former team, the Anaheim Ducks, and USA Hockey highlighted his "great spirit" and the positive impact he had on those around him. The recurring theme in all the messages from his loved ones, including Savannah Chrisley, is the message he would want everyone to take away: "to live life to the fullest" and "to love and love hard."

The story of Nic Kerdiles' death is a powerful and sobering one, blending the worlds of professional sports, reality television, and the very real, often hidden, struggles of young adulthood. His passing at age 29 due to a preventable accident remains a profound loss, but the memories of his passion, talent, and kind spirit continue to resonate with those who knew him and his fans.