Stewart McLean case update: Full timeline of events in Virgin River star's homicide

Stewart McLean’s death has shocked fans of Virgin River and the Vancouver film community after the Canadian authorities confirmed that the actor’s case had now turned into a homicide investigation.

The 45-year-old actor, known for his roles in Virgin River, Arrow, Happy Face and Murder in a Small Town, was first reported to be missing before the investigators could later confirm that the actors' remains had been found in Lions Bay, British Columbia.

Currently, the police are still trying to understand what happened before Stewart McLean vanished. The investigators have said that they're currently going through footage that has been found from CCTV cameras. They're also collecting forensic clues and are interviewing people related to the case.

Stewart McLean case update: Full timeline of events in Virgin River star's homicide

Stewart McLean was last seen at his Lions Bay residence

The Stewart McLean case first began on May 15, 2026, when the actor was reportedly last seen at his home in Lions Bay, Vancouver.

According to the Squamish Royal Canadian Mounted Police, that was the last time the actor was seen before concerns started to increase among the people who were the closest to him.

Three days later, i.e., on May 18, the police filed a missing persons report, and the investigators launched a search. Through this search, they started to track Stewart McLean’s movements before he disappeared from Lions Bay.

The authorities have not shared details about what was found during those early days of the actors' disappearance, but we now have confirmation that evidence collected during the search has changed the direction of the case.

Police officially shifted the Stewart McLean investigation to homicide

By May 20, the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team, also known as IHIT, took over Stewart McLean's investigation. The police later confirmed that the investigators had found evidence that suggested the actor is now a victim of a homicide.

The Squamish RCMP said investigators found clues that pointed toward foul play. Later, the authorities also confirmed that they were working with the Integrated Forensic Identification Service as the investigation expanded further.

The police did not reveal what kind of evidence led the team towards a homicide. Instead, the investigators focused on building a timeline around McLean’s final known movements.

IHIT spokesperson Cpl. Esther Tupper later said that the investigators were,

“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 also added,

“We are pursuing all available leads as we work to find answers for the family, friends and loved ones of Mr. McLean.”

McLean’s remains were found days after the homicide announcement

One day after the authorities could state that McLean was believed to be a victim of homicide, investigators confirmed that his remains had been found in Lions Bay.

The update came through an IHIT media release that was shared on May 22. The officials confirmed that McLean's remains had been identified as the actor, bringing an end to the missing persons search.

Lions Bay Search and Rescue shared their condolences online, writing,

“Lions Bay Search and Rescue extends its deepest condolences to the family, friends, coworkers, and community members impacted by this tragic loss.”

McLean’s agency and colleagues paid tribute after his death

After the confirmation of Stewart McLean’s death, there were many tributes from colleagues and professionals from the industry. Lucas Talent Inc., the agency that represented the actor, shared a statement from talent agent Jodi Caplan.

The statement read,

“It is with great sadness that we say goodbye to our beloved client, Stew McLean...”

Caplan also spoke about working with the actor, saying McLean was “dedicated, professional, eager, and endlessly funny.”

Even casting directors and colleagues shared memories about the actor through the agency.

“Every message says the same thing: what a truly great guy he was, and how deeply he will be missed...”

As we await more updates regarding the homicide, the investigation will continue as the police are still trying to put together what happened during the last few days of the actor.