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Julian Sands’ cause of death remains unknown weeks after his remains were found on Mount Baldy in Southern California.
“The cause of death remains inconclusive due to the body's condition and the absence of any additional factors uncovered during the coroner's inquiry," stated the coroner of the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department in a release to CBS News on July 24. "This is a typical outcome in cases of this nature. This conclusion marks the final determination."
In the previous month, officials verified that hikers stumbled upon human remains in close proximity to the area where Sands went missing in January. Following the discovery, the sheriff affirmed that the remains indeed belonged to Sands.
The police statement confirmed that the body found on Mt. Baldy on June 24, 2023, has been positively identified as Julian Sands, a 65-year-old resident of North Hollywood. The investigation into the cause of death is still ongoing and awaiting additional test results. The police expressed their appreciation to all the diligent volunteers who tirelessly assisted in the search for Mr. Sands.
Rescue teams commenced the search for Sands on the same day, but the ground search was halted due to adverse weather conditions. Meanwhile, helicopters and drones were deployed to locate the actor who had gone missing.
Bob Gregory, the second hiker, was reported as missing by his family on January 16. Subsequently, his remains were discovered in February close to Mount Slip in the Angeles National Forest.
Prior to his death, Sands was renowned for his work in notable films such as A Room With a View, Leaving Las Vegas, Warlock, and The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo. He also made appearances in television shows like 24, Dexter, The Blacklist, and more.
Apart from his acting career, Sands was recognized as a passionate mountaineer. In a May 2020 interview with Thrive, he expressed his love for climbing mountains and shared his extensive experience in the Alps, Andes, Alaska, and various American ranges. Sands described mountain climbing as a spiritual journey of supplication, sacrifice, and humility, emphasizing the importance of transcending one's self-consciousness rather than celebrating oneself.
Sands is survived by Citkowitz, 59, and their daughters Natalya, 26, and Imogen, 23, and son Henry, 37, whom he shared with ex-wife Sarah Harvey.