Authorities vow to ‘bring closure’ to the family of missing actor Julian Sands

A storm is expected to delay the search for actor Julian Sands, who disappeared on an icy hike in the California mountains – but local authorities have vowed to bring closure to his family. 

The San Bernardino sheriff’s department said on Monday that search efforts would now be delayed ‘for some time’ because of the storm. 

It comes after a weekend of ground searches yielded no sign of the British actor. 

Sands, 65, was reported missing on a hiking trip in the Baldy Bowl area of the San Gabriel mountains and has not been seen for 11 days, since January 13, as temperatures in the area hover just above the freezing mark. 

Julian Sands, 65, is pictured on a peak of the Weisshorn mountain in the Swiss Alps. He was reported missing from the Baldy Bowl area of the San Gabriel mountains on January 13

The sheriff’s department previously said it remained ‘hopeful’ of finding the actor, but admitted that the outcome of the searches may now ‘not be what we would like’ 

The sheriff’s department previously said it remained ‘hopeful’ of finding the actor, but admitted that the outcome of the searches may now ‘not be what we would like’.

Numerous searches have already taken place on foot and by air, with both state and federal agencies using special technology to help pinpoint a more accurate location to focus their efforts.

A spokesperson for the sheriff’s department told the PA news agency that ground searches – which had been recently hampered by poor conditions on the mountain – had taken place on Saturday.

‘On February 18, over 20 members of the Fontana Sheriff’s Station and the West Valley Search and Rescue team conducted a ground search in the Mt Baldy area,’ a spokesperson told the PA news agency.

‘The crew members focused on the area where the California Highway Patrol’s RECCO device hit on a possible electronic device on January 25.

‘Unfortunately, nothing was found that would lead to the discovery of Mr Sands. With the imminent storm approaching, ground searches for Mr Sands will be delayed for some time.

‘Our goal is to bring closure to the family of Mr Sands and when we can, we will try this again.’ 

A map of the area in which Julian Sands, 65, was reported missing 

Numerous searches have taken place on foot and by air, with both state and federal agencies using special technology to help pinpoint a more accurate location to focus their efforts

Rescuers trudge through the snow on Saturday as 20 members of the Fontana Sheriff’s Station and the West Valley Search and Rescue team conducted a ground search in the Mt Baldy area

Drone, helicopters and on foot searches were conducted over the weekend

Three weeks ago, Sands’ hiking partner and friend Kevin Ryan told PA it was obvious ‘something has gone wrong’, but that the actor’s advanced experience and skill would ‘hopefully’ see his safe return.

The actor’s family previously praised the ‘heroic’ efforts of Californian authorities involved in the searches, and were ‘deeply touched’ by the support they had received.

‘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…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.’

Sands is best known for his starring roles in films such as Warlock, Room With A View and Leaving Las Vegas. On television he found fame with parts in Smallville and 24.

He has three children and lives in the North Hollywood neighbourhood of Los Angeles with his wife, writer Evgenia Citkowitz. 

The region is home to some of the most popular trails in Los Angeles, California

It was previously revealed that pings from Sands’ phone appeared to show he had been on the move heading further into the mountainous area of Baldy Bowl on the day he was reported missing. 

A spokesman said: ‘Additional phone pings from the cell provider were attempted but were unsuccessful, due to the lack of cell service and most likely cell phone power failure.

‘A delayed ping through Sands’ Apple iPhone operating system, from January 14, 2023, provided a possible location on one of the trails leading to the summit of Mount Baldy. This area was checked by ground searchers and by helicopter.’

The spokesman added: ‘Ground and air searchers were unable to locate any evidence in this area that would assist in locating Mr. Sands. Because of avalanche risks and trail conditions, the ground crews were pulled off the mountain on Saturday evening.

‘However, the search continues by helicopter and drones when the weather permits. Additional ground searches will be scheduled when the weather improves, and it is safe for our rescue crews.’

The department also previously said that there was still ‘no hard deadline’ and ‘no date set’ for calling off efforts – and the incident is still being classified as a search and rescue operation. 

Searches by local authorities continue by ‘helicopter and drones when weather permits’. 

A car belonging to Sands was found earlier this month. It was close to the spot where he was reported missing at around 19:30 local time on January 13.