Recovered Cape Breton drug addict, yoga enthusiast, dies tragically in car accident

After many years of struggle, Ryan Gillis’ life was cut short, just when he was starting to shine.

Gillis had recently overcome serious drug addition, regained strength through yoga, began travelling to third-world countries to touch the lives of others, and had plans to open up his own centre for other struggling addicts.

But, tragically, yesterday morning, the 30-year-old man from Sydney Mines passed away in a car accident while on his way to work just outside of Edmonton.

Gillis’ lifelong friend, Jason LeFrense, said his friend was just getting back on his feet, replacing his past addictions with a new habit.

“He wanted to help and help, and help, and that’s what he was addicted to. He was addicted to loving people and helping people.”

LeFrense said Gillis had just got back from Africa a few months ago where he had been spreading his new-found love for life with others.

“With his 12-step program, he went on a retreat to some of the countries in Africa to help some of the addicts there.”

He said Gillis had plans to move back to the east coast to become a yoga trainer.

LeFrense had made a video about Gillis’ long road to recovery earlier this year, where Gillis talks about how much he’s grown through his rehabilitation.

“I truly believe you can only keep what you have by giving it away” he says in the video. “I just try to tell my story and help others.”

The video, which can be found on YouTube, is aptly called “Love Life,” — two words Gillis had tattooed on his knuckles. You can watch the video here.

Top Stories

Top Stories

Most Watched Today