The body of “Virgin River” actor Stewart McLean was found days after he was reported missing in British Columbia. Lions Bay investigators say his death is being treated as homicide, with authorities urging anyone with information to come forward.
Stewart McLean was reported missing, and days later his body was found in Lions Bay—about 30 miles north of Vancouver—where a homicide investigation has now been launched.
British Columbia officials said McLean’s remains were discovered Friday, and the exact date of the discovery was not disclosed. The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) announced that his death is being investigated as a homicide and is believed to be “an isolated incident.” The BC Coroners Service is determining the cause of death.
McLean, 45, had most recently appeared in an episode of the Netflix romance series “Virgin River.” His acting career also included roles in “Beyond” and “Traveler,” and his IMDb profile lists more than 30 productions over the course of his career.
The first missing person report was received by the Squamish division of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police on Monday. Police said McLean was last seen on May 15 at his home in Lions Bay. In an update published Tuesday. RCMP said they were “very concerned for Stewart’s health and well-being. ” asking anyone with information on his whereabouts to get in touch.
On Thursday, Squamish RCMP transferred the case to IHIT. IHIT said it began investigating McLean’s death on Wednesday, after investigators “uncovered evidence” that led them to believe McLean was a victim of homicide, without specifying the nature of that evidence.
The investigation is ongoing. IHIT said investigators are working to build a timeline of McLean’s activities before May 15 by analyzing physical evidence and CCTV footage and conducting interviews.
“ We are pursuing all available leads as we work to find answers for the family, friends and loved ones of Mr. McLean,” IHIT Cpl. Esther Tupper said in a statement. IHIT added that anyone with information should contact it.
For those who worked with him, the news landed with a particular kind of shock—because McLean was known, not just as an actor, but as a professional people trusted.
Lucas Talent Inc., the agency that represented McLean, remembered him in a Facebook post as “dedicated, professional, eager, and endlessly funny.” Agent Jodi Caplan, who worked with McLean for over 10 years, said the response from across the industry reflected who he was.
“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,” Caplan said.
Stewart McLean Virgin River Lions Bay British Columbia IHIT Royal Canadian Mounted Police homicide investigation missing person