The search has resumed for British actor Julian Sands after “extreme alpine conditions” have hampered efforts over the last few months, following severe winter weather in California’s Mt. Baldy area where he went missing in January.
The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department shared an update that on Saturday, June 17, the department has “continued ongoing search efforts in the Mount Baldy wilderness” for the missing hiker,” the press release read.
“Unfortunately, Mr. Sands was not located,” it added. “Saturday’s search included over 80 Search and Rescue volunteers, deputies, and staff. Their efforts were supported by two helicopters and drone crews. Aviation resources inserted search teams into remote areas across Mount Baldy and conducted aerial search and assessments efforts. Additionally, drone crews searched areas inaccessible to ground crews.”
Julian Sands Search Continues Five Months After Being Reported Missing https://t.co/1LCVeTNt2t
— The Hollywood Reporter (@THR) June 19, 2023
“Despite the recent warmer weather, portions of the mountain remain inaccessible due to extreme alpine conditions,” the release added. “Multiple areas include steep terrain and ravines, which still have 10 plus feet of ice and snow.”
The release concluded that since January, when the “Room With a View” star went missing after going for a hike in the area, the agency has “conducted eight searches (ground and air) specific to Mr. Sands, with volunteer searcher hours exceeding 500 hours” and with another eight unrelated search and rescue operations in the Mount Baldy area.
The sheriff’s office said the missing person case for Sands remains active and “search efforts will continue in a limited capacity.”
More than a week after the actor went missing, the Sheriff’s Department shared his family’s statement along with their own update that read, “As we enter day 11 of the search for Julian Sands on Mt. Baldy, we are reminded of the sheer determination & selflessness of all of the people who have aided in this search. We will continue to utilize the resources available to us.”
The family also thanked local officials and search-and-rescue teams for their continued efforts.
“Our heartfelt thanks to the compassionate members of the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department who are coordinating the search for our beloved Julian, not least the heroic search teams listed below who are braving difficult conditions on the ground and in the air to bring Julian home,” the statement read. “We are deeply touched by the outpouring of love and support.”