Missing ‘Virgin River' Actor Found Dead as Homicide Investigation Continues
Canadian authorities say the remains of missing actor Stewart McLean have been located as investigators continue treating the case as a homicide investigation.
In an update issued to Parade on Friday, May 22, the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) confirmed that McLean's remains were found in the Lions Bay area of British Columbia during ongoing search efforts.
"As the investigation continues to unfold, 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," IHIT spokesperson Cpl. Esther Tupper said in a statement.
Police said McLean, 45, was originally reported missing on May 18 after he had not been seen since May 15. Authorities previously said he was last seen at his residence in Lions Bay.
Investigators announced Thursday that evidence uncovered during the missing persons investigation led them to believe McLean had been the victim of a homicide, prompting IHIT to officially take over the case.
IHIT said Friday that investigators are continuing to work with the BC Coroners Service and the Integrated Forensic Identification Service to determine the circumstances surrounding McLean's death.
"At this stage, IHIT believes this to be an isolated incident," police said in the update.
McLean, who was sometimes credited professionally as Stew McLean, recently appeared in an episode of Netflix's Virgin River and also had credits in shows including Arrow, Travelers, The 100, Supernatural, Beyond and Murder in a Small Town.
His recent work also included appearances in the Paramount+ series Happy Face and the Lifetime movie The Killer Inside: The Ruth Finley Story.
Born in Edmonton, Alberta, McLean worked steadily in film and television productions throughout the Vancouver area for more than a decade, including projects filmed in Squamish and Bowen Island.
Police are asking anyone with information related to the investigation to contact the IHIT information line at 1-877-551-IHIT (4448) or by email at ihitinfo@rcmp-grc.gc.ca as investigators continue pursuing leads.
Related: Child Star Mourns Death of Fellow 'Andy Griffith Show' Actor and Close Friend
Copyright 2026 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved
This story was originally published May 22, 2026 at 2:55 PM.