The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s office confirmed today that the dead body found earlier this week by hikers was that of actor Julian Sands, putting an end to a six months search.
Julian Sands was an experienced hiker who loved the outdoors. He had been missing since mid-January.
In a statement, the department said; “The identification process for the body located on Mt. Baldy on June 24 has been completed and was positively identified as 65-year-old Julian Sands of North Hollywood.”
“The manner of death is still under investigation, pending further test results. We would like to extend our gratitude to all the volunteers that worked tirelessly to locate Mr. Sands.”
The remains of Sands were discovered by hikers at Mt. Baldy wilderness. They then contacted the Fontana Sheriff’s Station.
His family had earlier issued a statement, thanking everyone who have contributed to finding the 65-year-old actor.
“We are deeply grateful to the search teams and coordinators who have worked tirelessly to find Julian,” his family said last Wednesday in their first statement since his disappearance.”
“We continue to hold Julian in our hearts with bright memories of him as a wonderful father, husband, explorer, lover of the natural world and the arts, and as an original and collaborative performer.”
Julian Sand has been missing since January after he went hiking in the region. Initial search efforts for Sands were hampered by deep snow and the risk of avalanches. Two other hikers were also found dead in the Mt. Baldy area shortly before Sands went missing.
According to officials, over 80 people participated in the search which included rescue volunteers, deputies and other staff members. The search for Julian Sands was also assisted by two helicopters and drone crews.
Sands is survived by his wife – journalist Evgenia Citkowitz, whom he married in 1990; their daughters Imogen Morley Sands and Natalya Morley Sands; and a son, Henry Sands, with his ex-wife journalist Sarah Sands.
