Stewart McLean, a 45-year-old actor who recently appeared in an episode of Netflix’s Virgin River, was found dead in Lions Bay, British Columbia, and his death is being investigated as a homicide, the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team said Friday.
McLean was last seen at his Lions Bay home on May 15. The Squamish division of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police received a missing person report on May 18 and said it was "very concerned for Stewart’s health and well-being" before transferring the matter to IHIT on May 20. IHIT said it began investigating on Wednesday and later announced the discovery of McLean’s remains.
The transfer followed what the Squamish RCMP described as evidence "that led investigators to believe Mr. McLean was the victim of a homicide." IHIT said investigators are collecting and analyzing evidence, reviewing CCTV footage and conducting interviews to build a timeline of McLean’s activities prior to May 15, 2026, and that the death is believed to be an isolated incident.
Esther Tupper, an IHIT spokesperson, said: "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." She added, "We are pursuing all available leads as we work to find answers for the family, friends and loved ones of Mr. McLean." IHIT asked anyone with information to contact the team at 1-877-551-IHIT.
Lions Bay sits roughly 30 miles north of Vancouver. Police have not disclosed the exact date the remains were discovered, and the BC Coroners Service is determining the cause of death as the homicide investigation continues.
McLean appeared in more than 30 productions over the course of his career and was also known for roles in the series Beyond and Traveler. His agent, Jodi Caplan, said: "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." Lucas Talent Inc. described McLean as "dedicated, professional, eager, and endlessly funny."
The facts laid out by police narrow the immediate focus of the probe: investigators are reconstructing McLean’s movements before May 15 and are asking the public for any footage or information that could fill gaps in the timeline. With IHIT calling the death an apparent homicide but describing it as isolated, authorities are signaling they have lines of inquiry but not yet a suspect to present to the public.
For now, the clear next step is investigative: evidence collection, forensic work and witness interviews that authorities say will determine how McLean died and whether anyone else was involved. IHIT’s public appeal and the transfer from the Squamish RCMP make plain that the team treating the case sees it as a criminal death; anyone with relevant information is asked to call 1-877-551-IHIT.
