Stewart McLean was a man who appreciated solitude but whose warmth and kindness created a strong sense of community around him. The 45-year-old male actor was a familiar and friendly face in the small village of Lions Bay, a scenic British Columbia community nestled between mountains and the Howe Sound. Neighbors remembered him as a big part of their tiny network, someone who would offer a big hug regardless of the weather. To his friends, he was a wonderful, contemplative, and well-read man who was a great listener. His acting coach and friend, Jeff Seymour, described him as "one in a million." McLean was building a career in Vancouver's film industry, with roles in television shows like "Virgin River" and "Murder in a Small Town." He was known for his professionalism and dedication; when he had a shoot scheduled, he was always there.
The last time anyone saw Stewart McLean was on Friday, May 15, 2026, at his home in the Brunswick Beach area of Lions Bay.
A friend and collaborator, Seymour, noted that McLean had checked in with colleagues that evening to finalize details for a shoot the next day. When he failed to show up on Saturday morning, those who knew him immediately feared the worst, knowing it was completely out of character. After he hadn't been seen for three days, a missing person report was filed with the Squamish Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) on May 18. Police issued a public appeal for assistance on May 19, expressing concern for his well-being.
On the morning of May 20, the search for McLean began in earnest. Lions Bay Search and Rescue deployed ground teams and a drone to scour seven zones around the village, including Crystal Falls, Tunnel Point, and Magnesia Creek. The Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue was called in to assist with shoreline and waterline searches. During this extensive operation, searchers discovered what they described as "suspicious evidence." This finding immediately shifted the focus of the case. The search was stood down, and the investigation was transferred back to the RCMP, who quickly concluded that McLean had been the victim of foul play.
That same day, the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) took conduct of the case. Investigators descended on McLean's home and the surrounding Brunswick Beach neighborhood, going door-to-door and setting up a tent on the nearby train tracks. Two days later, on May 22, 2026, IHIT announced that the search had ended with the discovery of McLean's remains in the Lions Bay area. While they did not release details about his cause of death, investigators stated they believed his homicide was an isolated incident. The news shocked the quiet seaside community, where neighbors found it hard to imagine that anyone would want to harm the kind actor.
IHIT began the painstaking work of piecing together McLean's final days, working in partnership with the BC Coroners Service and the Integrated Forensic Identification Service. In a statement, IHIT Corporal Esther Tupper said investigators were collecting and analyzing evidence, reviewing CCTV footage, and conducting interviews to build a timeline of McLean's activities before May 15. "We are pursuing all available leads as we work to find answers for the family, friends and loved ones of Mr. McLean," she said. Friends remembered him as a lovely actor and a great friend, a "top-notch guy" whose absence would be deeply felt by many.
As of May 2026, the investigation into Stewart McLean's murder is active and ongoing. No arrests have been made, and no suspects have been publicly identified. Investigators continue to seek information from the public that could help solve the case and bring a measure of peace to those who knew and loved him. Anyone with information is asked to call the IHIT information line at 1-877-551-IHIT (4448) or email [email protected].
