A Virgin River<\/i> actor has been found dead in British Columbia, and Canadian authorities now believe he was the victim of a homicide.<\/p>\n
Stewart \u201cStew\u201d McLean<\/b><\/a><\/span>\u2019s body was discovered in the Lions Bay area on May 22, 2026, marking the end of a weeklong search that began when he was reported missing from his home. He was 45. The late actor most recently appeared in season 7 of Virgin River<\/i>, which premiered in March 2026.<\/p>\n As of publication, no suspects have been named and authorities have not disclosed a possible motive.<\/p>\n Keep scrolling for everything to know so far:<\/p>\n McLean was last seen on May 15, 2026 at his home in Lions Bay, a small village along the Sea-to-Sky Highway north of Vancouver. Three days later, on May 18, the Squamish Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) received a missing persons report<\/span><\/a> and launched an investigation.<\/p>\n On May 19, 2026, the RCMP issued a public appeal for assistance, and Lions Bay Search and Rescue led the initial ground search. The case took a darker turn just one day later, when Canada\u2019s Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) deployed and assumed control of the case.<\/p>\n \u201cSquamish RCMP initiated an investigation and, through investigative efforts, uncovered evidence that led investigators to believe Mr. McLean was a victim of homicide,\u201d the team said in a press release.<\/p>\n Canada\u2019s Integrated Homicide Investigation Team <\/b>(<\/span>IHIT) confirmed on May 22, 2026, that remains belonging to McLean<\/span><\/a> had been found <\/span>in the Lions Bay area.<\/span><\/p>\n The IHIT is a specialized unit that handles homicide cases across several jurisdictions in British Columbia\u2019s Lower Mainland. Squamish RCMP is continuing to work alongside IHIT and the Integrated Forensic Identification Service (IFIS) to advance the case.<\/p>\n \u201cOn May 20, IHIT deployed and assumed conduct of the investigation,\u201d the team wrote in a statement. \u201cSquamish RCMP continues to work closely with IHIT and the Integrated Forensic Identification Service (IFIS) to advance the investigation.\u201d<\/p>\n No cause of death has been publicly released, and authorities have not shared any theories about what may have happened to the actor. Us Weekly<\/i> reached out to IHIT for additional comment.<\/p>\n Investigators are asking anyone with information about McLean\u2019s disappearance or the circumstances surrounding his death to contact the IHIT information line at 1-877-551-IHIT (4448) or via email at ihitinfo@rcmp\u2013grc.gc.ca<\/span><\/a>.<\/p>\n Jodi Caplan<\/b>, McLean\u2019s longtime agent at Lucas Talent Inc., shared a heartfelt tribute to the late actor.<\/p>\nStewart McLean\u2019s Disappearance<\/b><\/h2>\n
A Homicide Investigation<\/b><\/h2>\n
Stewart McLean\u2019s Agency Pays Tribute<\/b><\/h2>\n
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