UPDATED 1/23: Julian Sands, a British actor best known for his roles in films like the 1985 drama “A Room With a View” and the 1989 horror entry “Warlock,” remains missing after his disappearance was first reported about 7:30 p.m. on Jan. 13. Sands had been hiking in the Baldy Bowl hiking area, approximately 50 miles northeast of Los Angeles.
His family released a statement via the sheriff’s department on Monday, 10 days after he went missing, saying, “We are deeply touched by the outpouring of love and support. Our heartfelt thanks to the compassionate members of the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department who are coordinating the search for our beloved Julian.” The statement then lists the various search teams who are assisting the effort.
Earlier: According to a representative for the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, ground crews responded and began searching the area soon after the 65-year-old Sands was reported missing. However, parties had to be pulled Saturday evening, after roughly 24 hours of searching, due to avalanche risks and trail conditions.
On Jan. 20, the Sheriff’s Department updated the status of search efforts, saying, “The search for Julian Sands continues via helicopter only. Evidence of avalanches was observed earlier in the week on the west side of the slopes and ground search and rescue efforts continue to be held back.
“Additional air searches will be conducted, however, there is no set time or duration for the searches,” the update specified.
An update Thursday from the Sheriff’s Department said authorities had discovered a few iPhone pings from Sands’ phone near Mount Baldy on Jan. 15, two days after he was reported missing, as well as a delayed ping from Jan. 14. However, sheriffs Friday said the pings were delayed from the Friday he was reported missing and not a sign that he was using his phone two days later.
A vehicle thought to belong to Sands has been found in the Mt. Baldy area, Fox11 News reported. The snow-covered Volvo station wagon was towed away Wednesday.
Sands is known to be an enthusiastic mountaineer. “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,” Sands told ThriveGlobal in 2020.
Authorities have continued with intermittent searches by helicopter and drone. However, a search party hasn’t been deployed in more than four days. While the Sheriff’s Department plans to launch a ground effort once weather conditions improve, authorities are currently cautioning prospective hikers to stay out of the area.
The Baldy Bowl hiking area is located near Mt. Baldy in the San Gabriel Mountains of Southern California. Nighttime temperatures in the area have been in the mid-20s over the past week.
British film producer Cassian Elwes shared that he had known Sands’ was missing for several days. “I’m devastated. A very close family friend who was an adventurer in everything he did. I’ve said many prayers,” Elwes wrote in a post on Twitter.
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
Sands featured in films and TV series before rising to prominence for his lead role as George Emerson, starring alongside Helena Bonham Carter in James Ivory’s “A Room With a View.” Other notable credits include the “Warlock” films, “Leaving Las Vegas,” “Arachnophobia” and “Naked Lunch.” In recent years, Sands had played film roles in notable arthouse titles such as “Benediction” and “The Painted Bird.”
Sands’ representatives could not immediately be reached for comment.
