‘Virgin River’ actor Stewart McLean found dead as homicide investigation is launched

Crime & Courts‘Virgin River’ actor Stewart McLean found dead as homicide investigation is launchedThe actor was reported missing on Monday and officials announced his remains were found in British Columbia on Friday. Listen to this article with a free account00:0000:00ShareAdd NBC News to GoogleMay 23, 2026, 4:00 PM EDTBy Mirna AlsharifThe body of “Virgin River” actor Stewart McLean was found days after he was reported missing in the Canadian province of British Columbia, according to officials. He was 45.Subscribe to read this story ad-free Get unlimited access to ad-free articles and exclusive content.His remains were discovered in Lions Bay — a community roughly 30 miles north of Vancouver — the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) announced Friday. The exact date of the discovery has not been disclosed.His death is being investigated as a homicide and is believed to be “an isolated incident,” according to IHIT. The BC Coroners Service is determining the cause of death.McLean most recently appeared in an episode of Netflix romance series “Virgin River,” and was best known for his roles in “Beyond” and “Traveler,” according to his IMDb profile. He appeared in more than 30 productions over the course of his career.The Squamish division of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police initially received a missing person report for McLean on Monday. He was last seen on May 15 at his home in Lions Bay. In an update published Tuesday, police said they were “very concerned for Stewart’s health and well-being,” asking anyone with information on his whereabouts to get in touch.On Thursday, Squamish RCMP announced it had transferred the case to IHIT, which said it began investigating McLean’s death on Wednesday.“Squamish RCMP initiated an investigation and, through investigative efforts, uncovered evidence that led investigators to believe Mr. McLean was victim of homicide,” police said in a statement, without specifying the nature of that evidence.The homicide investigat...