A Cape Breton man who overcame drug addiction through yoga has died in a car crash in Alberta.
Ryan Gillis’ family says he was on his way to work when he was killed in a single-vehicle collision in Sherwood Park Tuesday morning.
CTV News interviewed Gillis in January after he was recognized at the Courage to Give Back awards.
He told CTV News he grew up in Sydney Mines, N.S. and started using drugs at the age of 13. He became an IV drug user at the age of 21 and spent years in and out of jail and recovery houses.
In October 2012, Gillis joined a 12-step program and started receiving treatment for liver disease. Then he decided to take a friend’s advice and try yoga, which he said helped him get healthy and stay sober.
Gillis became a positive role model for others suffering from addiction and also for those in the yoga community, for which he was recognized at the Courage to Give Back awards.
Gillis' family says visitation will be on Monday Aug. 25 at Jobes Funeral Home in Sydney Mines. The funeral will be held at Holy Family Parish on Aug. 26.
Gillis was 30 years old.
