Virgin River star Stewart McLean's remains were found Friday, one week after the actor vanished and a day after police said he 'may have been murdered.' McLean, 45, also known for his roles in TV shows Supernatural and Arrow, was last seen on May 15 at his home in Lions Bay, British Columbia, Canada. He was reported missing on May 18 to the Squamish Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) - but following the discovery of new evidence, the disappearance has turned into a homicide investigation. Squamish RCMP confirmed in a May 21 press release they were transitioning McLean's missing person investigation to the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) - with McLean's sister confirming 'the loss' of her brother in a heartbreaking post.
Homicide probe launched 'Squamish RCMP initiated an investigation and, through investigative efforts, uncovered evidence that led investigators to believe Mr. McLean was the victim of a homicide,' the statement read. 'On May 20, IHIT (Integrated Homicide Investigation Team) deployed and assumed conduct of the investigation.' The following day, IHIT issued a media release announcing its discovery of McLean's mortal remains in the Lions Bay area, according to People.
In their Thursday statement announcing that the case was now a murder investigation, the authorities had said: 'Squamish RCMP continues to work closely with IHIT and the Integrated Forensic Identification Service (IFIS) to advance the investigation. 'Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to call the IHIT information line at 1-877-551-IHIT (4448) or by email at ihitinfo@rcmp–grc.gc.ca.' The Daily Mail has contacted representatives for the Squamish RCMP, McLean and IHIT for further comment. Sister announces loss As news of the murder investigation broke, McLean's sister Kat wrote, 'It is with great sadness that we share the loss of our dear younger brother, Stew.
He was genuine, honest, caring, and funny as heck. We will miss him incredibly.' McLean, who is sometimes credited as Stew McLean, is described as 5ft 10, 150lbs, with gray hair and blue eyes. At the time of his disappearance, authorities said they were 'very concerned for Stewart's health and well-being.' Lions Bays Search and Rescue led the initial search for McLean as a missing person.
The actor's most recent TV appearance was in a 2026 episode of the Netflix drama Virgin River, in which he played Barfly. @thecrimedesk An acting coach and friend of Virgin River's Stewart McLean said there was one red flag ahead of the actor's alleged murder. Jeff Seymour said he grew suspicious about McLean's disappearance after the actor failed to show up for a scheduled day of filming, which the coach said was very unlike him.
#virginriver #stewartmclean ♬ original sound - The Crime Desk His screen credits also include a second season episode of the Fox crime drama Murder in a Small Town and the Lifetime TV movie The Killer Inside: The Ruth Finley Story. McLean's agency, Lucas Talent Inc., also shared a tribute. Jodie Caplan wrote: 'It is with great sadness that we say goodbye to our beloved client, Stew McLean.
I was fortunate to have worked with Stew for more than 10 years. 'He was always such a pleasure to deal with, 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.' Share your thoughts with us in the comments
