Photo Credit: Shutterstock; Savannah Chrisley/YouTube
Nearly two years after the tragic passing of Nic Kerdiles, the former NHL player and ex-fiancé of Savannah Chrisley, Todd and Julie Chrisley have publicly addressed his death—marking the first time they’ve done so since their release from prison. In a deeply emotional podcast episode, they opened up about their grief, their special bond with Nic, and why it took so long to speak out.
The Silence Breaks on “Chrisley Confessions 2.0”
On August 20, Todd and Julie aired an episode of their Chrisley Confessions 2.0 podcast, confronting the painful subject of Nic’s death for the very first time. Todd explained that the family had resisted speaking out because the wound was still fresh. He shared:
“I just wasn’t ready to discuss it. I actually am not ready to discuss it today. But out of respect for Nic and the love that we have for him today and will have for him for the rest of our days, I’m going to have this conversation one time and I’m never talking about it again.”
His voice heavy with sorrow, Todd admitted:
“My heart has not healed… and I don’t know that it ever will heal.”
A Tribute to Nic: More Than a Fiancé, “Another Son”
In heartfelt reflection, Todd described Nic as “one of the finest, funniest, kindest young men” and lamented the life that might have been:
“I so wanted he and Savannah to be married. I wanted grandchildren and that didn’t come to pass.”
Even after Savannah and Nic ended their engagement, he remained close. Todd and Nic continued to meet for lunch regularly and text daily. Julie emphasized Nic’s support during the couple’s legal battles:
“He drove us every day to trial… made sure we had something to eat in the morning.”
Devastation Unfolds in Prison Visitation Room
Todd recounted the devastating moment he learned Nic had died—while incarcerated. During visitation with Savannah, she collapsed into his arms and said simply, “He’s gone.” Todd recalled:
“I remember just crumbling… it was truly so surreal that I became numb, and we cried that whole visitation.”
For Julie, the reality struck later, after their May 2025 release from prison:
“It was just weird to come home and him not be there.”
Savannah’s Regret and Her Support System
Months before the Chrisleys finally opened up, Savannah revealed in a PEOPLE exclusive that she was “heartbroken, devastated” by Nic’s loss—particularly due to unresolved discussions between them. She shared that she had so many regrets about words left unsaid.
Reflecting back on the moment she received the news, Savannah recalled landing from a flight and immediately texting Nic—hoping he was still alive. Upon arrival at prison visitation, she broke down in their father’s arms.
Her ex-boyfriend at the time, Robert Shiver, who began dating Savannah shortly before Nic’s death, flew to comfort her and helped care for her younger siblings during the Chrisleys’ legal challenges.
The Crash: What We Know
Nic Kerdiles died in a motorcycle accident in September 2023 at age 29. According to police and later findings, his motorcycle collided with a BMW after he ran a stop sign in Nashville. He was transported to Vanderbilt University Medical Center, where he succumbed to his injuries. Autopsy results revealed his blood-alcohol concentration was above Tennessee’s legal limit; the death was ruled accidental.
Social Media Speaks: Outpouring and Reflection
When the recent podcast episode aired, followers on Instagram and viewers of the podcast flooded the comments with expressions of empathy:
“You could literally feel the pain in Todd’s voice… this hurts for them.”
“Nic must have known he was loved deeply, even after the breakup.”
On Reddit, commenters speculated on the emotional weight this moment held for the family, noting how rare it is for reality TV personalities to be this vulnerable publicly.
A Family Forever Changed
The Chrisleys’ decision to speak now—two years after Nic’s passing and shortly after their presidential pardon and release—underscores how deeply the loss affected them. As Todd said:
“Nic Kerdiles did not leave this earth feeling as if the Chrisleys did not love him.”
Their tribute paints Nic not just as a figure from their reality show past, but as a beloved member of their family circle—cherished, remembered, and mourned.
Final Thoughts
In a world of flash and spotlight, the Chrisleys’ raw admission of grief stands apart. Their heartfelt, final tribute draws a line between public spectacle and private mourning. By speaking up now, Todd and Julie have chosen respect over ratings—a solemn reminder that behind every reality show image, real lives continue with real loss.