'Virgin River' actor Stewart McLean's friend recalls uneasy signs before tragic discovery

New statements from insiders have emerged regarding the death of Virgin River actor Stewart McLean, who is believed to have been the victim of a homicide after being found dead following several days missing.

A close friend of the actor, fellow performer Jeff Seymour, is the recent person to have spoken on the matter, sharing unsettling details about the days leading up to McLean’s death.

In a chilling admission, Seymour said he immediately sensed something was wrong when McLean failed to appear for a scheduled filming commitment as McLean used to be extremely reliable and disciplined, making it highly unusual for him to miss work without notice. 

“He was meticulous about everything and there would be no chance he blew it off or slept too late,” Seymour told the Canadian Press. “As soon as I heard he didn’t make it on Saturday morning, I knew there was big trouble”.

The friend, who had known McLean for around eight years, said he last saw him in Los Angeles just weeks before the incident. Reflecting on the situation, he said the news of the suspected murder “doesn’t make any sense”.

“It just doesn’t make any sense,” he said of the suspected murder. “He was incredibly situationally aware”.

He also described McLean as a “straight arrow,” saying he was not involved in dangerous circles or risky behaviour. “Everybody loved this guy, it wasn’t like he was in nefarious activities or, you know, kind of ran with another crowd,” he shared. 

“I mean, he was a bit of a loner. He spent a lot of time reading and being at his home out there in Squamish.”

Seymour also paid McLean a tribute on social media on Friday, recalling a recent trip along Mulholland Drive where McLean was singing along to music from the 1960s and 1970s. 

“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 wrote. “He seemed 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.”

McLean, 45, was first reported missing on May 18 after last being seen at his home in Lions Bay on May 15. Authorities later confirmed that his remains were discovered in the same general area, though they have not publicly detailed the circumstances surrounding his death.

Police continue to investigate the case as a suspected homicide.