Tributes are pouring in from friends and colleagues for Virgin River actor Stewart McLean, who was found dead by Canada’s Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) a week after he was reported missing. McLean, 45, was last seen at his home in Lions Bay, Canada, on Friday, May 15th, with the authorities notified three days later. The following Friday, May 22nd, investigators confirmed that they had found a body and identified the remains as McLean. The case was handed over to Canada’s IHIT after investigators said evidence suggested the actor may have been the victim of homicide. Corporal Esther Tupper of the IHIT said in a statement, “As the investigation continues to unfold, homicide investigators are working to collect and analyse evidence, review CCTV footage and conduct interviews to build a timeline of Mr. McLean’s activities prior to May 15, 2026. “We are pursuing all available leads as we work to find answers for the family, friends and loved ones of Mr. McLean.” Friends and colleagues pay tribute as homicide investigation continues As friends and family await answers, many have taken to social media to share tributes for McLean, who had a series of guest star roles in shows like Virgin River, where he played a barfly. McLean also appeared in series such as Murder in a Small Town, The Irrational, and Happy Face. For his loved ones, the loss has been devastating. Friend Patrice Sauve had shared a number of calls for information when McLean was still missing. Upon confirmation of his death, he wrote on Facebook, “Is this even real? I’m not computing this at all, it’s like my body is protecting me by being numb… gutted… it can only eventually lead me to gratitude for the 25 years of friendship. But right now I just want to rage.” LA-based friend Jeff Seymour shared a heartfelt post on Facebook, writing, “I lost a great friend today. Stew McLean was a wonderful human being. He visited me recently to act in a project I wrote for him. He was such a lovely and thoughtful actor. “He was a joy to work with. He was intelligent, well read and an excellent story teller. The day before he headed back to Vancouver, a few of us drove along Mulholland Drive, looking at the views while Stew sang along to songs from the 60s and 70s. “He seemed to know the lyrics to everything. You will be greatly missed, my friend. You were a good egg. I’m grateful to have had you in my life.” Seymour also told The Canadian Press, “It’s so hard to comprehend when something like this happens. It just doesn’t make any sense. He was incredibly situationally aware. I bring it up because for the life of me, I don’t know how anybody could get the drop on Stew.” Vancouver agency Lucas Talent Inc. shared a tribute on Facebook, writing, “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! “Many casting directors have reached out to share their condolences with Stew’s family and with our agency, and every message says the same thing: what a truly great guy he was, and how deeply he will be missed.” Director Ryan Minaker added, “It’s with painful realisation that we are saying goodbye to Stew McLean. Taken from us far too young and in such a heinous way. “What a rockstar he was. A loved guy everywhere he went and an inspiration when it came to his talents as an actor. I was blessed to have him in my life as was everyone who had the privilege to know him. Credit: Netflix “I met Stew back when he audition for one of my projects and from then on he continued to be a part of our film family. For the last decade Stew was a constant example of raw talent, stealing the show in every project while remaining professional, humble and approachable. “He had the most contagious laugh. I’ll miss our long chats and creative collaborations. Blessed to have so many great memories but sad there won’t be more. Stew was a wonderful soul. I miss my friend. Condolences to the McLean family.” The investigation is ongoing. Featured image credit: Netflix Post navigation Next story
