Virgin River actor Stewart McLean was reported missing on May 18 after having not been seen since May 15. However, the Squamish RCMP announced they transitioned the investigation to a homicide case.
Virgin River’s Stewart McLean Reported Missing, Believed to Be Victim of Homicide
New updates have emerged in the disappearance of Stewart McLean.
The Virgin River actor has been confirmed dead, as investigators said they found his remains in Lions Bay, British Columbia, Canada, according to the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) per CBC. He was 45.
According to the Squamish Royal Canadian Mounted Police, McLean was reported missing on May 18. The following day, authorities shared in a press release that they were “very concerned for Stewart’s health and well-being” after he was last seen at his home in Lions Bay on May 15.
In a May 21 press release, the RCMP stated they were transitioning the ongoing missing person investigation over to the homicide team.
“Squamish RCMP initiated an investigation,” the press release said, “and, through investigative efforts, uncovered evidence that led investigators to believe Mr. McLean was victim of homicide.”
They noted they were working “closely with IHIT and the Integrated Forensic Identification Service (IFIS) to advance the investigation” and asked the public to come forward with any information that might help regarding the investigation.
McLean—who was often credited as Stew McLean—had been working steadily as an actor since 2015, most recently guest starring as a barfly on Virgin River. The 45-year-old had also appeared on Arrow, Supernatural and The Irrational. He was a producer as well, working on the TV series CLOUD Van-Demic! and Please Look Away Vol. 2.
After news that the investigation had turned from a missing person case to homicide, his agency Lucas Talent Inc. shared a tribute to McLean.
Stew McLean in NBC’s The Irrational (Photo: Sergei Bachlakov/NBC via Getty Images)
“It is with great sadness that we say goodbye to our beloved client, Stew McLean,” Jodi Caplan from his agency wrote on Facebook May 22. “I was fortunate to have worked with Stew for more than 10 years.”
“He was always such a pleasure to deal with,” she added, “dedicated, professional, eager, and endlessly funny!”
Caplan also shared that “many casting directors have reached out to share their condolences with Stew’s family and with our agency” with all them saying “what a truly great guy he was, and how deeply he will be missed.”
This story was originally published on May 22, 2026, at 12:45 p.m. PT and updated at 6:40 p.m. PT after his remains were identified.
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