‘Virgin River’ Actor Stewart McLean Found Dead

Lions Bay Search and Rescue said teams located “suspicious evidence” during the search.

Published: 5/27/2026, 2:53:59 PM EDT

‘Virgin River’ Actor Stewart McLean Found Dead — Stewart McLean. (Royal Canadian Mounted Police)

Canadian authorities are investigating the death of actor Stewart McLean as a homicide after his remains were found in British Columbia, nearly a week after he was reported missing.

The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) said investigators “uncovered evidence that led investigators to believe Mr. McLean was a victim of homicide,” and has since taken over the case.

McLean, 45, was last seen on May 15 at his home in Lions Bay, about 20 miles north of Vancouver, according to Squamish Royal Canadian Mounted Police. Police received a missing-person report on May 18.

Search efforts expanded on May 20 when Lions Bay Search and Rescue joined the operation. Crews searched seven areas, including Crystal Falls, Tunnel Point, Brunswick Beach, and Magnesia Creek, using drones and shoreline search teams with assistance from Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue.

Lions Bay Search and Rescue said teams located “suspicious evidence” during the search, which was turned over to Squamish RCMP. IHIT later assumed responsibility for the investigation.

McLean's Legacy in the Film Industry

McLean had a guest appearance on the Netflix series “Virgin River” and appeared in other television productions, including “Arrow,” “Travelers,” “Beyond,” and “Murder in a Small Town.”

According to IMDb, McLean was born in Edmonton, Alberta, and has more than 36 credits in television and film.

McLean’s talent agency, Lucas Talent Inc., confirmed his death in a Facebook statement, saying, “he was always the most positive, kind, funny, chill dude you could ever know.”

“He embraced any opportunity to work on set, in any capacity - PA, Background, Actor roles, weekend Indies or big budget streaming projects - with enthusiasm & joy.

“That is how we will honour and remember him.

“Sending love and condolences to his family, many friends in the film community and beyond,” it stated.

Langara College Film Arts, where McLean studied writing, said he left a lasting impression on Vancouver’s film community.

“Stewart came through our program in 2012 as a writer and went on to become a respected and beloved member of Vancouver’s film and television industry. His talent, creativity, and presence left a lasting impression on all who had the privilege of working with him and knowing him,” the college stated.

Jeff Seymour, a Los Angeles-based show business colleague, shared that he recently spent time with McLean.

“I lost a great friend today. Stew McLean was a wonderful human being. He visited me recently to act in a project I wrote for him. He was such a lovely and thoughtful actor,” he wrote.

“The day before he headed back to Vancouver, a few of us drove along Mulholland Drive, looking at the views while Stew sang along to songs from the 60s and 70s. He seemed know the lyrics to everything. You will be greatly missed, my friend. You were a good egg. I’m grateful to have had you in my life,” he wrote.

Authorities have not released a cause of death or identified any suspects as of May 26.

Authorities have asked anyone with information regarding this investigation to contact the IHIT information line at 1-877-551-IHIT (4448) or email [email protected].