British Columbia investigators are treating the death of actor Stewart McLean, known for his roles in Virgin River, Beyond, and Traveler, as a homicide after his body was found in Lions Bay days after he was reported missing, officials said. McLean was 45. The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team said his remains were discovered in the community about 30 miles north of Vancouver, though the exact date of discovery has not been released. The BC Coroners Service is working to determine the cause of death.
McLean was last seen on May 15 at his home in Lions Bay, according to Squamish RCMP, which received a missing person report on Monday. Police said in an update Tuesday that they were “very concerned” about his health and well-being and asked the public for help locating him. On Thursday, the case was transferred to IHIT, which said it began investigating the death on Wednesday after evidence gathered by Squamish RCMP led investigators to believe McLean had been the victim of a homicide.
IHIT said the investigation remains active and is being treated as an isolated incident. Investigators are working to establish a timeline of McLean’s movements before May 15 by reviewing physical evidence, CCTV footage, and witness interviews. Authorities are asking anyone with information to come forward.
McLean appeared in more than 30 productions during his career and most recently had a role in a Virgin River episode. His acting credits also included Beyond and Traveler. His talent agency, Lucas Talent Inc., described him as dedicated, professional, eager, and endlessly funny in a Facebook tribute. Agent Jodi Caplan, who worked with McLean for more than a decade, said the response from casting directors and colleagues reflected the impact he had in the industry and how deeply he would be missed.
