Virgin River actor found dead days after going missing, cops believe he was murdered
Virgin River actor found dead days after going missing, cops believe he was murdered
Police have launched a homicide investigation after Virgin River actor Stewart McLean was found dead days after he went missing from his home.
Virgin River actor Stewart McLean has been found dead and is believed to be the victim of a homicide after going missing.
Squamish Royal Canadian Mounted Police “initiated an investigation and, through investigative efforts, uncovered evidence that led investigators to believe Mr McLean was victim of homicide,” leading them to transfer the case to the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT), an initial press release obtained by Page Six said.
Police did not go into detail regarding the evidence found, but said the actor’s remains were located in the Lions Bay area north of Vancouver in British Columbia.
Actor Stewart McLean was found dead in the Lions Bay area north of Vancouver, Canada. Picture: Sergei Bachlakov/NBC via Getty Images
The actor is believed to have been murdered after he went missing earlier this month. Picture: Sergei Bachlakov/NBC via Getty Images
Page Six are told IHIT is working in close partnership with the British Columbia Coroners Service and forensic investigators to understand the circumstances that led to his death. At this stage, IHIT believes this to be an isolated incident.
“As the investigation continues to unfold, homicide investigators are working to collect and analyse evidence, review CCTV footage and conduct interviews to build a timeline of Mr McLean’s activities prior to May 15, 2026,” Corporal Esther Tupper of IHIT said.
“We are pursuing all available leads as we work to find answers for the family, friends and loved ones of Mr McLean.”
McLean’s death is being treated as a homicide. Picture: Royal Canadian Mounted Police
A spokesperson for the actor, who was repped by Lucas Talent, told Page Six in a statement: “We are devastated to hear the news of Stew McLean’s passing. We have been proud to represent Stew for over a decade, and he was a well respected and admired member of the film and television community in Vancouver.”
“He will always be remembered for his kindness and humour. Our hearts go out to his family and everyone who knew and loved him at this very difficult time.”
McLean (right), seen here in an episode of Netflix’s Murder in a Small Town, was reported missing on May 18. Picture: FOX via Getty Images
McLean, 45, was first reported missing on May 18 after he was last seen at his Lions Bay home on May 15.
In addition to starring in Virgin River, McLean’s credits also include Fox’s Murder in a Small Town and The CW’s DC series Arrow.
He most recently portrayed a barfly on a 2026 episode of the Netflix drama, which is filmed in British Columbia.