Laurie Montoya, President & Founder of BikerDown Foundation.

Motorcycle fatalities are not limited to just motorcycle riders in our local community and those we see on Facebook.  Former Anaheim Ducks forward Nic Kerdiles died from injuries suffered in a motorcycle accident on Saturday, the team announced. He was 29 years old.

 Per other media sources, Kerdiles allegedly ran through a stop sign into the side of another vehicle. Nashville Police transported both drivers to a local hospital, shortly before Kerdiles was pronounced dead.

Dallas Eakins, who coached the forward during his time with the Ducks, mourned Kerdiles’ passing and posted a heartfelt message on social media.

H said he is absolutely heartbroken to see this news, and that Nic was an amazing kid who always put others first. He constantly had a positive effect and influence on his teammates, friends and family’s lives. May his kind soul rest in peace.”

USA Hockey celebrated Kerdiles’ career, which included being a member of two gold medal teams in the IIHF U18 World Championship.

The Ducks selected Kerdiles in the second round (36th overall) of the 2012 NHL Draft. Kerdiles played two seasons at the University of Wisconsin, leaving a lasting impression at the NCAA level.

Kerdiles played in three NHL regular-season games (one in 2016-17, two in 2017-18) and recorded an assist in four playoff games with the Ducks in 2017. His AHL career included stops with the Norfolk Admirals, San Diego Gulls, and most recently with the Manitoba Moose in 2018-19.

This is the 2nd celebrity in 2023 that has died in a motorcycle accident, in June of this year Actor Treat Williams passed away at the hands of a careless driver.  The driver pleaded not guilty and is still waiting for his trial.