Stewart McLean, an actor known for his appearance in the seventh season of Virgin River, has been found dead one week after he was reported missing in British Columbia, according to authorities.
McLean was 45 years old.
Actor Stewart McLean found dead
On Friday, May 22, Canada’s Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) confirmed that the actor’s body had been located in the Lions Bay area. Authorities said the case is currently believed to be an “isolated incident” as investigators continue to piece together the circumstances surrounding his disappearance and death.
“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 Cpl. Esther Tupper said in a statement. “We are pursuing all available leads as we work to find answers for the family, friends, and loved ones of Mr. McLean.”
The investigation intensified earlier in the week after the Squamish Royal Canadian Mounted Police stated that evidence gathered during the inquiry suggested McLean may have been the victim of .
“Squamish RCMP initiated an investigation and, through investigative efforts, uncovered evidence that led investigators to believe Mr. McLean was [a] victim of homicide,” a news release detailed. “On May 20, IHIT deployed and assumed conduct of the investigation. Squamish RCMP continues to work closely with IHIT and the Integrated Forensic Identification Service (IFIS) to advance the investigation.”
McLean was last seen at his home in Lions Bay, , on May 15. A missing persons report was filed with police three days later, prompting an extensive investigation involving local authorities and homicide detectives.
While McLean’s role in Virgin River was limited to a single episode during the show’s seventh season, the actor had a longstanding career in television, particularly in British productions and Scottish dramas. His credits included appearances in Rab C. Nesbitt, Doctor Finlay, Taggart and Monarch of the Glen.
, one of Netflix’s most successful romantic drama series, has aired for seven seasons and was recently renewed for an eighth instalment. The series stars Alexandra Breckenridge, Martin Henderson, Colin Lawrence, Tim Matheson, Benjamin Hollingsworth, Annette O’Toole, Sarah Dugdale and Teryl Rothery.
Authorities have not announced any arrests, and the homicide investigation remains ongoing.
Virgin River is streaming on .
