Stewart Mclean Virgin River found dead after May 18 missing report
Stewart McLean Virgin River actor Stewart McLean was found dead after being reported missing on May 18. Police say they believe the 45-year-old was the victim of a homicide, turning a missing-person case into an active death investigation.
Lions Bay and May 15
McLean was last seen at his Lions Bay home on May 15, 2026, before Squamish Royal Canadian Mounted Police opened the case after he went missing. His remains were later located in the Lions Bay area, and the file was transferred to the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team.
The move puts IHIT at the center of the response, alongside the BC Coroners Service and IFIS. Cpl. Esther Tupper said investigators are collecting and analyzing evidence, reviewing CCTV footage and conducting interviews to build a timeline of McLean’s activities before May 15, 2026.
IHIT's active lead hunt
“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. “We are pursuing all available leads as we work to find answers for the family, friends and loved ones of Mr. McLean.”
IHIT also believes this is an isolated incident at this stage, which narrows the immediate public-safety concern even as the criminal inquiry remains open. For readers trying to understand what changes now, the case has moved beyond a missing-person report and into a homicide probe with witness interviews and video review driving the next steps.
Lucas Talent on McLean
A Lucas Talent spokesperson said the company had represented McLean for over a decade and described him as a respected member of Vancouver’s film and television community. “We are devastated to hear the news of Stew McLean’s passing. 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 spokesperson said.
“He will always be remembered for his kindness and humour. Our hearts go out to his family and everyone who knew and loved him at this very difficult time.” McLean’s credits included Fox’s Murder in a Small Town, The CW’s Arrow and a 2026 episode of Virgin River, along with producing credits on Please Look Away Vol. 2 and CLOUD Van-Demic! Anyone with information can call 1-877-551-IHIT.
