Julian Sands Can Nguyen/Shutterstock
Update 6/26/23/11:48 a.m.
Human remains were discovered near the location where actor Julian Sands went missing, according to the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department. In a statement released on Saturday, the department reported that civilian hikers notified the Fontana Sheriff’s Station after making the discovery on June 24, 2023, at approximately 10:00 a.m. The Fontana Station deputies, accompanied by the Sheriff’s Department’s Emergency Operations Division, promptly responded to the incident in the Mt. Baldy wilderness.
The decedent, who remains unnamed in the statement, has been taken to the Coroner's Office for further identification. It is expected that the identification process will be completed by next week and the press release will be updated accordingly. Currently, no additional information is available.
Update: 1/24/23, 10:57 a.m.
The search for the missing actor, Julian Sands, in California is ongoing. The family of Julian Sands expressed their gratitude to the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department and the brave search teams who are working tirelessly in challenging conditions on land and in the air. In a statement on Monday, January 23, as the search entered its 11th day, the family acknowledged the outpouring of love and support they have received.
Jin Chung, another hiker, was reported missing in the same area, Mt. Baldy, where Sands disappeared. The search for Chung commenced on Sunday, January 22, alongside the ongoing search for Sands. The San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department expressed gratitude for the unwavering dedication and generosity of those involved in the search as they entered the 11th day. They emphasized their commitment to utilizing all available resources.
Original story continues below:
Julian Sands, known for his work in A Room With a View and 24, was identified as one of two hikers who went missing in Southern California on Friday, January 13.
On Wednesday, January 18, authorities confirmed that the 65-year-old British actor had gone missing five days earlier. He had gone for a hike on a trail in Mt. Baldy in the San Gabriel Mountains. The San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department spokesperson, Gloria Huerta, stated that Sands' wife, Evgenia Citkowitz, reported him missing on Friday. Huerta also mentioned that rescue crews initiated a search for Sands on the same day, but had to suspend the ground search on Saturday, January 14, due to unfavorable weather conditions. They have since been conducting aerial searches with helicopters and drones. The ground search will resume once the weather improves.
A family member of Bob Gregory, another hiker, filed a missing report on Monday, January 16. The authorities are currently conducting a search operation in the Crystal Lake region of the San Gabriel Mountains, situated to the northeast of downtown Los Angeles.
The San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department issued a warning for hikers in relation to dangerous conditions. They are urging visitors to reconsider their decision before going on the trails. According to a statement shared on Facebook, the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Search and Rescue Teams have responded to 14 rescue missions in the past four weeks, specifically on Mt. Baldy and its surrounding area. These rescue missions were conducted for hikers who were lost, stranded, or injured. Unfortunately, two hikers have lost their lives after falling and getting injured during this period. The statement further highlights that the current conditions on Mt. Baldy are extremely dangerous and unfavorable.
A photo was shared in the post showing a trail sign in the Mt. Baldy and Icehouse areas, cautioning hikers about "extreme alpine conditions." The sign also provided a list of recommendations for hikers to be prepared for potential overnight stays due to the unpredictable weather conditions.
Sands, who began his film career in the 1980s, is well-known for his passion for mountaineering. In a conversation with Thrive in May 2020, the Smallville actor shared, "I have a deep love for climbing mountains and have spent significant time in the Alps, Andes, Alaska, and various ranges in America. It's a humbling experience that requires supplication, sacrifice, and humility. It's not merely about celebrating oneself, but rather shedding self-consciousness."
The British actor gained recognition for starring alongside Helena Bonham Carter in the 1985 film A Room With a View. He has also appeared in various other notable movies such as Gothic, Warlock, Arachnophobia, Ocean’s Thirteen, and The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo. Additionally, he has made appearances on television shows including 24, The Blacklist, Gotham, and Dexter, among others.