Missing actor Stewart McLean believed to be murdered, authorities say

The search for "Virgin River" actor Stewart McLean has officially turned into a murder investigation, according to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

McLean, 45, was first reported missing Monday, May 18, the Squamish RCMP stated in a press release at the time, adding that "police are very concerned for Stewart’s health and well-being." On Thursday, May 21, authorities offered an update, revealing that the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team has "deployed and assumed conduct of the investigation."

"Squamish RCMP initiated an investigation and, through investigative efforts, uncovered evidence that led investigators to believe Mr. McLean was victim of homicide," per the release.

McLean was last seen on Friday, May 15, at his residence in the Lions Bay area of British Columbia, Canada, which is just north of Vancouver.

Anyone with information is asked to call the IHIT information line at 1-877-551-IHIT (4448) or by email at ihitinfo@rcmp-grc.gc.ca.

McLean is known for appearances on popular TV shows, including the CW action series "The Arrow," Netflix's "Travelers," Freeform's "Beyond," Netflix's hit romantic drama "Virgin River," Fox's "Murder in a Small Town" and the Paramount+ crime series "Happy Face." He also had a role in the Lifetime TV movie, "The Killer Inside: The Ruth Finley Story," along with several shorts.