A friend of “Virgin River” actor Stewart McLean revealed he knew that something was very wrong ahead of McLean’s disturbing death.
McLean was found dead Friday, and is believed to be the victim of a homicide after going missing earlier this week.
McLean’s friend, actor Jeff Seymour, said that the weekend ahead of his death, he didn’t show up for a scheduled day of filming — a major red flag.
“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.”
Seymour, who’s been friends with McLean for eight years, just saw him last month in Los Angeles.
“It just doesn’t make any sense,” he said of the suspected murder. “He was incredibly situationally aware.”
“I bring it up because for the life of me, I don’t know how anybody could get the drop on Stew,” he added.
Seymour described McLean as a “straight arrow.”
“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.”
In a Facebook post Friday, Seymour called his late friend a “lovely” and “thoughtful” actor, and recalled his recent visit with him.
“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 he was last seen at his Lions Bay home on May 15.
Police didn’t go into detail regarding the evidence found, but said the actor’s remains were located in the Lions Bay area.
“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.”
