Virgin River actor Stewart McLean has been found dead after mysteriously vanishing from his home in British Columbia, and police are now treating the disturbing case as a homicide.
McLean, 45, was last seen on May 15 at his residence in Lions Bay, a small coastal village north of Vancouver. Three days later, on May 18, the Squamish Royal Canadian Mounted Police received a missing person report.
Then came the tragic update no one wanted.
Canada’s Integrated Homicide Investigation Team announced that McLean’s remains were discovered in the Lions Bay area on May 22, just one day after police revealed they believed the missing actor may have been the victim of a homicide.
Authorities have not released a cause of death, but investigators are now working to piece together McLean’s final known movements before he disappeared.
“As the investigation continues to unfold, homicide investigators are working to collect and analyze evidence, review CCTV footage and conduct interviews to build a timeline of Mr. McLean’s activities prior to May 15, 2026,” IHIT Cpl. Esther Tupper said in a statement.
Tupper added that investigators are “pursuing all available leads” as they search for answers for McLean’s family, friends, and loved ones.
Police said McLean’s disappearance is believed to be an isolated incident, though they have not publicly named a suspect or revealed what led them to suspect foul play.
McLean’s death has shocked those who knew him in the entertainment world.
Lucas Talent Inc., the agency that represented him, confirmed the heartbreaking news in a tribute posted on Facebook by talent agent Jodi Caplan.
“It is with great sadness that we say goodbye to our beloved client, Stew McLean,” the statement read. “I was fortunate to have worked with Stew for more than 10 years.”
The agency remembered McLean as a dedicated and warm presence who left a lasting impression on the people he worked with.
“He was always such a pleasure to deal with — dedicated, professional, eager, and endlessly funny,” the statement continued. “Many casting directors have reached out to share their condolences with Stew’s family and with our agency, and every message says the same thing: what a truly great guy he was, and how deeply he will be missed. Rest in peace, Stew.”
McLean had built a steady career in television, with credits that included Virgin River, Arrow, Murder in a Small Town, and Happy Face.
His death now adds a chilling layer to what first began as a missing person case and quickly turned into something far darker.
Authorities are asking anyone with information about McLean’s disappearance or death to contact the IHIT information line at 1-877-551-IHIT, or email ihitinfo@rcmp-grc.gc.ca.
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