Canadian actor Stewart “Stew” McLean, who appeared in Netflix’s Virgin River, was found dead in British Columbia on May 22, 2026, days after he was reported missing. Police later announced they were investigating his disappearance as a homicide.
Stewart “Stew” McLean’s absence lasted just days—until his body was found in British Columbia on May 22, 2026, in the Lions Bay area. The 45-year-old had been reported missing on May 18, and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police said they were “very concerned for Stewart’s health and well-being.”
Within days of that report, police announced they were investigating McLean’s disappearance as a homicide. Now, the questions surrounding what happened have only grown as investigators work to piece together his final movements.
McLean was born in Canada and originally from Edmonton, according to his IMDb profile. Fans may also remember him from Netflix’s Virgin River, where he played a barfly character in season 7. Per his IMDb, he appeared in one episode.
Before his role in Virgin River, McLean was steadily building out a screen career. His on-screen debut came in an uncredited role in the film Snow Falcon. He later appeared across a range of TV series. including Supernatural. Arrow. Blue Steele. Travelers. Beyond. The 100. Siren. Murder in a Small Town. and several others. He also starred in Cloud Van Tales.
He also appeared in short films before landing larger TV roles. Those titles included 2015’s Buddy Cops, 2016’s Detective Williams, 2017’s Uniforms, and 2018’s Return to Sender.
McLean wasn’t only an actor, either. According to his IMDb profile, he also worked as a producer on multiple projects, including the TV series Please Look Away Vol. 2, CLOUD VanDemic!, and Grilled Chicken.
In a press statement, IHIT Cpl. Esther Tupper said that as the investigation continues. “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.” She added. “We are pursuing all available leads as we work to find answers for the family. friends and loved ones of Mr. McLean.”.
The timeline has become the focus: McLean was reported missing on May 18. his remains were found on May 22 in the Lions Bay area of British Columbia. and investigators are now looking back at his activities prior to May 15. 2026 as they work to “build a timeline” through evidence. CCTV footage. and interviews.
Stewart McLean Stew McLean Virgin River season 7 Netflix Royal Canadian Mounted Police IHIT homicide investigation Lions Bay British Columbia May 22 2026 missing person Canadian actor
How do you go from missing to homicide in like days??
I watched Virgin River and was like wait that guy?? But also the article says they’re reviewing CCTV footage before May 15 which makes no sense to me, like he was missing May 18… so what happened before??
RCMP being “very concerned” then boom homicide probe… that screams they already had suspicions. Lions Bay sounds kinda secluded too so I’m guessing it was somebody local or like a tourist fight or something. Not trying to be dramatic but you know.
Sad. But why are they focusing on “prior to May 15” if he was reported missing May 18? Maybe he was just having a mental health thing and everyone jumped to homicide? Like I’m not saying it is, just… timelines confuse me. Also “barfly character” like is that supposed to matter??