4 weeks ago
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Virgin River star Stewart McLean 'may have been murdered', police revealed on Thursday, six days after the actor vanished.
McLean, 45, also known for his roles in TV shows Supernatural and Arrow, was last seen on May 15 at his home in Lions Bay, British Columbia, Canada.
He was reported missing on May 18 to the Squamish RCMP - but following the discovery of new evidence, the disappearance has turned into a homicide investigation.
Squamish RCMP confirmed in a May 21 press release they were transitioning McLean's missing person investigation to the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) - with McLean's sister confirming 'the loss' of her brother in a heartbreaking post.
'Squamish RCMP initiated an investigation and, through investigative efforts, uncovered evidence that led investigators to believe Mr. McLean was the victim of a homicide,' the statement read.
'On May 20, IHIT (Integrated Homicide Investigation Team) deployed and assumed conduct of the investigation.'
Virgin River star Stewart McLean 'may have been murdered', police revealed on Thursday - six days after the actor vanished
His most recent TV appearance was in a 2026 episode of the Netflix drama Virgin River's seventh season, in which he played Barfly - pictured
McLean's sister, Kat, confirmed 'the loss' of her brother in a heartbreaking social media post
'Squamish RCMP continues to work closely with IHIT and the Integrated Forensic Identification Service (IFIS) to advance the investigation,' it went on.
'Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to call the IHIT information line at 1-877-551-IHIT (4448) or by email at ihitinfo@rcmp–grc.gc.ca.'
The Daily Mail has contacted representatives for the Squamish RCMP, McLean and IHIT for further comment.
As news of the murder investigation broke, McLean's sister Kat wrote, 'It is with great sadness that we share the loss of our dear younger brother, Stew. He was genuine, honest, caring, and funny as heck. We will miss him incredibly.'
McLean, who is sometimes credited as Stew McLean, is described as 5ft 10, 150lbs, with gray hair and blue eyes.
At the time of his disappearance, authorities said they were 'very concerned for Stewart's health and well-being.'
Lions Bays Search and Rescue led the initial search for McLean as a missing person.
The actor's most recent TV appearance was in a 2026 episode of the Netflix drama Virgin River, in which he played Barfly.
At the time of his disappearance, authorities said they were 'very concerned for Stewart's health and well-being' - pictured on The Irrational as Hank Riddle in 2023
McLean, 45, also known for his roles on TV series including Supernatural and Arrow, was last seen at his home on May 15 in Lions Bay, British Columbia, Canada - pictured
McLean, who is sometimes credited as Stew McLean, is described as 5ft 10, 150lbs, with gray hair and blue eyes
After news of the homicide investigation broke, McLean's agency, Lucas Talent Inc., shared a heartfelt lauding the 'dedicated' and 'endlessly funny' actor
His screen credits also include a second season episode of the Fox crime drama Murder in a Small Town and the Lifetime TV movie The Killer Inside: The Ruth Finley Story.
McLean's agency, Lucas Talent Inc., also shared a tribute.
Jodie Caplan wrote: 'It is with great sadness that we say goodbye to our beloved client, Stew McLean. I was fortunate to have worked with Stew for more than 10 years.
'He was always such a pleasure to deal with, dedicated, professional, eager, and endlessly funny!'
Caplan also shared that 'many casting directors have reached out to share their condolences with Stew’s family and with our agency' with all them saying 'what a truly great guy he was, and how deeply he will be missed.'
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