Virgin River actor Stewart McLean has been found dead a week after disappearing

Stewart McLean, an actor known for his appearance on the seventh season of Virgin River, has been found dead a week after he was reported missing in British Columbia, according to Canadian authorities.

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 being treated as an “isolated incident” as investigators continue to piece together the circumstances of his disappearance and death.

“As the investigation continues, homicide investigators are working to collect and analyze evidence, review CCTV footage and conduct interviews to develop a timeline of Mr. McLean’s activities prior to May 15, 2026,” IHIT Cpl. Esther Tupper said in a statement. “We are following all available leads as we work to find answers for Mr McLean’s family, friends and loved ones.”

The investigation intensified earlier in the week after the Royal Canadian Mounted Police in Squamish said evidence gathered during the investigation suggested McLean may have been the victim of a murder.

“Squamish RCMP began an investigation and through investigative efforts uncovered evidence that led investigators to believe that Mr. McLean was (the) victim of a homicide,” the news release said. “On May 20, IHIT deployed and took over the investigation. Squamish RCMP continues to work closely with IHIT and Integrated Forensic Identification (IFIS) to move the investigation forward.”

McLean was last seen at his home in Lions Bay, British Columbia on May 15. Three days later, a missing persons report was filed with the police, sparking an extensive investigation involving local authorities and homicide detectives.

While McLean’s role on Virgin River was limited to one episode during the show’s seventh season, the actor had a long 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, Virgin River ran for seven seasons and was recently renewed for an eighth season. 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 is still ongoing.

Virgin River is streaming on Netflix.