“Virgin River” actor Stewart McLean committed to attending a film shoot in his final text before his mysterious death, according to close friend and acting coach Jeff Seymour.
Seymour told the Daily Mail on Tuesday that McLean — whom police believe was murdered — “had a very normal day” working on the set of an independent film in Merritt, Canada, on May 15 before going missing.
“He had a four-hour drive home, and he left at around seven,” Seymour explained. “He arrived home that night. [His] car [was] in the driveway.”
Seymour claimed McLean’s “last communication came from his phone that evening” before “everything just went dark.”
In the last text he sent, McLean confirmed he’d be back on set the next day (May 16), according to Seymour.
But when Seymour heard from McLean’s agent that he didn’t show up to the film shoot, he knew “something horrible had happened” to his friend.
“Because, show business, you know?” he told the outlet. “The show must go on. It is unheard of for an actor not to show up.”
McLean was last seen at his Lions Bay home on May 15 and was officially reported missing three days later.
The 45-year-old was found dead in Lions Bay on May 22.
According to a press release obtained by Page Six, Squamish Royal Canadian Mounted Police said they “initiated an investigation and, through investigative efforts, uncovered evidence that led investigators to believe Mr. McLean was victim of homicide.”
A spokesperson for McLean told Page Six in a statement they were “devastated” over the actor’s death.
“He will always be remembered for his kindness and humor,” the rep continued. “Our hearts go out to his family and everyone who knew and loved him at this very difficult time.”
Seymour told the Canadian Press last week that McLean’s suspected murder “just doesn’t make any sense.”
“He was incredibly situationally aware,” Seymour explained. “I bring it up because, for the life of me, I don’t know how anybody could get the drop on Stew.”
In a heartbreaking Facebook post Friday, Seymour recalled his final visit with McLean.
“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,” Seymour 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.”
In addition to playing a barfly in “Virgin River,” McLean’s credits also include Fox’s “Murder in a Small Town” and The CW’s DC series “Arrow.”
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