Former NHL player Nicolas Kerdiles, aged 29, tragically lost his life in a motorcycle crash in Nashville over the weekend. The accident occurred when the former Anaheim Ducks forward ran through a stop sign and collided with an SUV. Despite being taken to Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Kerdiles succumbed to his injuries. The Metro Nashville Police Department confirmed that there were no signs of impairment from either driver involved in the crash and do not anticipate pressing charges.
Nicolas Kerdiles, who was drafted by the Anaheim Ducks in 2012, showed great promise during his time in the NHL. Over the course of two seasons, he played a total of three games for the Ducks between the 2016-17 and 2017-18 seasons. However, in 2018, Kerdiles was traded to the Winnipeg Jets and subsequently played for the Manitoba Moose in the minor leagues. Despite not reaching the heights he may have aspired to in his professional hockey career, his contributions to the sport were significant.
News of Nicolas Kerdiles’ untimely passing sent shockwaves through the hockey world. The Anaheim Ducks expressed their sorrow on social media, highlighting Kerdiles’ achievement as the first player from Orange County to don their team’s jersey. The organization extended their deepest sympathies to Kerdiles’ family and loved ones. Similarly, USA Hockey, the national governing body for the sport, also expressed their heartbreak at the tragic news. They emphasized Kerdiles’ invaluable contributions as part of Team USA’s under-18 squad, where he helped secure two gold medals at the U18 World Championship.
Following his departure from professional hockey, Nicolas Kerdiles pursued a career in real estate in Nashville. While his time in the NHL was cut short, he found new opportunities and interests outside of the sport. Kerdiles was engaged to television personality Savannah Chrisley, known for her role in the TV show “Chrisley Knows Best.” Although the couple split in 2020, Chrisley shared her grief on social media, expressing her love for Kerdiles and their cherished memories together. She expressed hope for a reunion in the afterlife, imagining riding bikes together on the beaches of heaven.
The tragic loss of Nicolas Kerdiles is a stark reminder of the fragility of life. The hockey community mourns the passing of a talented player with immense potential. Remembered for his contributions to international tournaments and his time in the NHL, Kerdiles’ legacy will live on. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family, loved ones, and all those affected by this devastating accident. May he rest in peace.
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