A Virgin River actor has been found dead in British Columbia, and Canadian authorities now believe he was the victim of a homicide.
Stewart “Stew” McLean’s body was discovered in the Lions Bay area on May 22, 2026, marking the end of a weeklong search that began when he was reported missing from his home. He was 45. The late actor most recently appeared in season 7 of Virgin River, which premiered in March 2026.
As of publication, no suspects have been named and authorities have not disclosed a possible motive.
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Stewart McLean’s Disappearance
McLean was last seen on May 15, 2026 at his home in Lions Bay, a small village along the Sea-to-Sky Highway north of Vancouver. Three days later, on May 18, the Squamish Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) received a missing persons report and launched an investigation.
On May 19, 2026, the RCMP issued a public appeal for assistance, and Lions Bay Search and Rescue led the initial ground search. The case took a darker turn just one day later, when Canada’s Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) deployed and assumed control of the case.
“Squamish RCMP initiated an investigation and, through investigative efforts, uncovered evidence that led investigators to believe Mr. McLean was a victim of homicide,” the team said in a press release.
A Homicide Investigation
Canada’s Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) confirmed on May 22, 2026, that remains belonging to McLean had been found in the Lions Bay area.
The IHIT is a specialized unit that handles homicide cases across several jurisdictions in British Columbia’s Lower Mainland. Squamish RCMP is continuing to work alongside IHIT and the Integrated Forensic Identification Service (IFIS) to advance the case.
“On May 20, IHIT deployed and assumed conduct of the investigation,” the team wrote in a statement. “Squamish RCMP continues to work closely with IHIT and the Integrated Forensic Identification Service (IFIS) to advance the investigation.”
No cause of death has been publicly released, and authorities have not shared any theories about what may have happened to the actor. Us Weekly reached out to IHIT for additional comment.
Investigators are asking anyone with information about McLean’s disappearance or the circumstances surrounding his death to contact the IHIT information line at 1-877-551-IHIT (4448) or via email at ihitinfo@rcmp–grc.gc.ca.
Stewart McLean’s Agency Pays Tribute
Jodi Caplan, McLean’s longtime agent at Lucas Talent Inc., shared a heartfelt tribute to the late actor.
“It is with great sadness that we say goodbye to our beloved client, Stew McLean. I was fortunate to have worked with Stew for more than 10 years,” Caplan wrote. “He was always such a pleasure to deal with — dedicated, professional, eager, and endlessly funny. 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. xo”
Before McLean was found, the agency had posted a plea on Facebook: “We’re concerned about our dear client Stew McLean – Please see below and share.”
This story was compiled with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists.
