British actor Julian Sands has been reported missing after a hike on California’s Mt. Baldy — which is covered in snow and ice due to recent winter storms.
According to a report from entertainment site TMZ, members of Sands’ family reported the avid hiker missing last Friday at 7:30 p.m. — but it was not until Wednesday that authorities publicly declared that he was missing.
Search and rescue efforts have been underway since Sands was first reported missing, but in the days since, additional storms have dumped several more inches of snow on the mountain and rescue efforts ground to a halt after just 24 hours.
A representative for the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department told entertainment site Variety that they have continued to search as best they can, using drones and helicopters — but that the additional snow and ice and poor visibility on the mountain have made ground searches impossible.
Sands, known for his work in films like “Room With a View” and “Arachnophobia,” loves the mountains — he told ThriveGlobal in a 2020 interview, “I love climbing mountains, I’ve spent a lot of time in the Alps over the years, a lot of time in the Andes, Alaska and the American ranges.”
Friends and colleagues have voiced their thoughts and prayers for the missing actor — along with their concerns.
Cassian Elwes tweeted, “I’ve known since Friday that my friend Julian Sands has been missing on mt baldy. I’m devastated. A very close family friend who was an adventurer in everything he did. I’ve said many prayers.”
I’ve known since Friday that my friend Julian Sands has been missing on mt baldy. I’m devastated. A very close family friend who was an adventurer in everything he did. I’ve said many prayers.
— cassian elwes (@cassianelwes) January 18, 2023
“I am not a praying man. I do not believe in higher powers. But I certainly hope dear, sweet Julian Sands is okay. Five days outside in freezing rain is no joke, and I know we would all love for him to come out this mess all right,” Ted Geoghegan added.
I am not a praying man. I do not believe in higher powers. But I certainly hope dear, sweet Julian Sands is okay. Five days outside in freezing rain is no joke, and I know we would all love for him to come out this mess all right. ❤️ https://t.co/vharDt8YFX
— Ted Geoghegan (@tedgeoghegan) January 19, 2023
The conditions on Mt. Baldy are so treacherous that the San Bernardino Sheriff’s Department issued a warning asking hikers to stay away and informing them of a number of rescue missions that had already been undertaken by the department.
“These rescue missions have been for lost, stranded and/or injured hikers. Unfortunately, during these past 4 weeks, two hikers did not survive after falling and injuring themselves. The recent storms that brought the snow and ice conditions are not favorable for hikers, even those that feel they have a high level of experience,” they warned.