Canadian authorities say actor Stewart McLean, who recently appeared in Netflix’s Virgin River, is now believed to have been the victim of homicide after investigators discovered his remains in British Columbia.
McLean, also known professionally as Stew McLean, had been missing for about a week before police confirmed the development in the case. The 45-year-old actor was last seen on May 15, 2026, at his home in Lions Bay, a coastal community northwest of Vancouver.
Disappearance
According to the Squamish Royal Canadian Mounted Police, officers received a missing persons report on May 18 after concerns were raised about McLean’s whereabouts.
Search efforts were launched in the Lions Bay area as investigators worked to determine what had happened to the actor.
Authorities later said evidence gathered during the investigation led detectives to suspect foul play.
Police have not publicly shared specific details about the evidence or the circumstances surrounding McLean’s death.
Discovery
On Friday, the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team, commonly known as IHIT, confirmed that remains found in the Lions Bay area had been identified as McLean.
Investigators say the case is now being treated as a homicide investigation.
Cpl. Esther Tupper of IHIT said officers are continuing to gather and review evidence connected to the case.
“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,” Tupper said in a statement.
She added that investigators are pursuing all available leads as they seek answers for McLean’s family and friends.
Career
McLean had worked in the Canadian film and television industry for several years and appeared in a number of productions filmed in British Columbia.
Most recently, he appeared in a 2026 episode of Virgin River, the popular Netflix drama series. In the show, he played a bar patron.
His acting credits also included appearances in Murder in a Small Town, the Paramount+ series Happy Face, and the CW superhero drama Arrow.
In addition to acting, McLean also worked behind the scenes as a producer.
Industry
News of McLean’s death prompted reactions from colleagues and members of the entertainment industry in Vancouver and across Canada.
Jodi Caplan, his agent at Lucas Talent, described him as a respected member of the local film and television community.
“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,” the agency said in a statement.
“He will always be remembered for his kindness and humour.”
Tributes also appeared online from fellow actors, production staff, and friends who worked with McLean throughout his career.
Investigation
Authorities continue to examine surveillance footage, conduct interviews, and piece together a timeline of McLean’s final days.
Police have not announced any arrests or identified any suspects connected to the case.
Investigators are asking anyone who may have information about McLean’s movements before May 15 to contact authorities.
The homicide investigation remains ongoing.
Overview
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Stewart McLean |
| Age | 45 |
| Also Known As | Stew McLean |
| Last Seen | May 15, 2026 |
| Location | Lions Bay, British Columbia |
| Investigation Type | Homicide |
| Known For | Virgin River, Arrow |
| Agency | Lucas Talent |
Community
Lions Bay, known for its quiet residential setting and natural surroundings, is located along the Sea-to-Sky corridor between Vancouver and Squamish. The area is not commonly associated with major violent crime investigations, making the case particularly notable for local residents.
As investigators continue their work, authorities say their focus remains on determining the circumstances surrounding McLean’s death and providing answers to those close to him.
FAQs
Who was Stewart McLean?
He was a Canadian actor and producer.
Where was he last seen?
He was last seen in Lions Bay, B.C.
What show did he recently appear in?
He appeared in Netflix’s Virgin River.
Is the case being treated as homicide?
Yes, investigators believe foul play occurred.
Have police made any arrests?
No arrests have been announced.
