Canadian actor Stewart McLean has been found dead days after he went missing, with police suspecting the star was murdered.
The 45-year old’s body was discovered in Lions Bay, near Vancouver, Canada, by police after he was reported missing on Monday, May 18.
Local police suspect Mr McLean, who starred on Netflix series Virgin River, was murdered.
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“Squamish (Royal Canadian Mounted Police) 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.
Further details relating to the evidence that was found at the scene have not yet been released by police.
The investigation has officially been transferred to the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team.
“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,” Corporal Esther Tupper of IHIT said, according to Page Six.
“We are pursuing all available leads as we work to find answers for the family, friends and loved ones of Mr McLean.”
After Mclean’s body was found, a friend of the star revealed a warning sign that come up before the actor’s alleged murder.
Acting coach and friend of eight years, Jeff Seymour, said alarm bells started ringing when McLean failed to show up to a scheduled day of filming.
“He was meticulous about everything and there would be no chance he blew it off or slept too late,” he told The Canadian Press.
“As soon as I heard he didn’t make it on Saturday morning, I knew there was big trouble.”
Mr Seymour reflected on the good times the pair shared when they caught up in Los Angeles last month.
“It was really a wonderful week, and then I heard this, and it’s just, it’s so hard to comprehend when something like this happens,” he added.
“It just doesn’t make any sense. He was incredibly situationally aware,” he continued. “I bring it up because for the life of me, I don’t know how anybody could get the drop on Stew.”
A spokesperson for Mclean said the actor’s loved ones were shattered to hear of his death.
“We are devastated to hear the news of Stew McLean’s passing. We have been proud to represent Stew for over a decade, and he was a well respected and admired member of the film and television community in Vancouver,” the spokesperson told Page Six.
“He will always be remembered for his kindness and humour. Our hearts go out to his family and everyone who knew and loved him at this very difficult time.”
Mr McLearn had an extensive career across TV, starring in Virgin River, Murder in a Small Town, Beyond, Traveler and DC series Arrow.
He was also a producer who had credits on TV series Please Please Look Away Vol. 2 and CLOUD Van-Demic!
