CAPE BRETON, N.S. — Kevin Daniel Hillman, a 28-year-old manager for family fleet Hillman’s Transfer, drowned after falling off his boat.

According to local news reports, police say that Hillman was trying to secure his boat to a wharf at the Mira Boat Club when he fell overboard and possibly hit his head.

Police believe alcohol may have been a factor in the early morning incident.

According to an obituary posted on a memorial chapel’s website, Hillman was a fun-loving outdoorsman who enjoyed ski-dooing, four-wheeling, fishing, and boating.

Hillman was projects administrator for Sydney-based Hillman’s Transfer and a member of the Atlantic Provinces Trucking Association.

"He was surrounded by his family and friends at work and committed to a life long career in the family transportation business," his family wrote in the obit. "He was an inspiration to anyone who met him and he will be truly missed."

He leaves behind his "soul mate and best friend," Allyson Unsworth, his parents, Donna and David Lockerbie and Tim Yurczyszyn; and two sisters, Amanda and Lori Lockerbie; as well as special grandparents, Eddie and Ruth Hillman, Art and Meta Lockerbie, Mike and Veronica Yurczyszyn and "very special Gram, Ruby MacVicar."

Visitation will take place at Sydney Memorial Chapel on Tuesday July 20th, 7-9 p.m. and Wednesday 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. A funeral service will be held at Bethel Presbyterian Church on Thursday, 11 a.m.

Condolences may be sent to the family at sydneymemorialchapel@ns.sympatico.ca.