Stewart McLean Found Dead as Virgin River Actor Found Dead Probe Widens
virgin river actor found dead Stewart McLean’s remains were found and identified after his disappearance became a homicide investigation. The case moved from a missing persons file to specialized investigators in less than a week, and police are now building a timeline of his movements before May 15, 2026.
Squamish RCMP and IHIT
On Thursday, the Squamish Royal Canadian Mounted Police said investigators had found evidence leading them to believe McLean was the victim of a homicide. On May 20, the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team deployed and assumed conduct of the case, with Squamish RCMP continuing to work with the team and the Integrated Forensic Identification Service.
That shift matters because it changes the case from a search for a missing 45-year-old to an active homicide probe. McLean was reported missing on May 18, and Squamish RCMP launched a missing persons investigation on May 19 after he was last seen at his home in Lions Bay on May 15.
Evidence before May 15
By Friday, IHIT said McLean’s remains had been found and identified. Investigators are now collecting and analyzing evidence, reviewing CCTV footage and conducting interviews to build a timeline of his activities prior to May 15, 2026.
“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,” the team said. That leaves the next phase squarely on the evidence trail, not on public speculation.
Jodi Caplan on McLean
Jodi Caplan said she and her agency had represented Stew for over a decade. “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. He will always be remembered for his kindness and humour,” she said in a statement shared with CBC News.
Lions Bay Search and Rescue posted condolences on May 22, extending “its deepest condolences to the family, friends, coworkers, and community members impacted by this tragic loss.” The practical next step for the case is the work already underway: interviews, video review and forensic analysis, with the homicide designation now shaping every line of inquiry.
