Julian Sands death updates — Smallville actor’s body found after he went missing while hiking as manner investigated
THE body of Smallville actor Julian Sands has been found after he went missing while hiking in California.
The British actor, 65, went missing in January after he was last seen on a hike in California's San Gabriel Mountains, near the Mount Baldy area.
Officials have now confirmed that his body has been found following a mass search with helicopters and drones.
A statement released by the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department on Tuesday said: "The identification process for the body located on Mt. Baldy on June 24, 2023, has been completed."
However, the department added that the "manner of death is still under investigation, pending further test results."
Read our Julian Sands live blog for the latest updates...
'Really cool, classy actor'
Fans are flooding social media honoring Julian Sands after human remains found have been confirmed to be the late actor.
One fan : "Ah, glad they found the body, but such a tragic loss."
"I think Julian Sands always seemed a really cool, classy actor as I was growing up, deserving of an even bigger career. RIP."
Last seen on Mount Baldy
Julian was last seen near Mount Baldy, which is a 10,000-foot peak northeast of Los Angeles.
The actor was believed to be somewhere along the Baldy Bowl Trail, which is a popular hike in the San Gabriel Mountains of California.
Police have confirmed human remains discovered by hikers in the US are those of missing Brit actor Julian Sands.
The remains were discovered in the wilderness on Saturday morning, San Bernardino Sheriff’s Department said in a statement.
Actor lived in Hollywood
Julian Sands was known for his roles in over 150 films and TV shows, including the 1985 feature A Room with a View, Warlock, and Leaving Las Vegas.
Julian was born in England but was living in the North Hollywood area.
Fans pay tribute
Fans of the late actor have flooded Twitter sharing kind words and condolences with one writing: "Sad news about Julian Sands a very fine actor. RIP."
Another fan wrote: "This is so incredibly sad, deepest condolences and sympathies to his family."
Car was found in original search
Authorities found a car belonging to Julian Sands near where he was reported missing, the reported.
The San Bernandino County Sheriff’s Department confirmed the vehicle was found in a parking lot near where Sands was believed to have departed for his hike.
The car was towed away per his family’s request.
More on actors' disappearance and discovery
His disappearance sparked a massive search with helicopters and drones combing the area but only his snow-covered Volvo car was recovered near Mount Baldy.
The remains were discovered in the wilderness on Saturday morning, San Bernardino Sheriff's Department said in a statement.
The late actor's cause of death is yet to be determined.
Inside Sands' career
Julian Sands is known for his work in shows like 24 and Smallville.
He’s also famous for his roles in A Room with a View, Arachnophobia, and The Killing Fields.
The actor recently had a recurring role in Netflix’s TV series What/If.
Police statement
A statement released by the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department on Tuesday said: "The identification process for the body located on Mt. Baldy on June 24, 2023, 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 try to locate Mr. Sands."
Cause of death to be determined
Coroners in the US have now confirmed they are those of Julian but a cause of death is yet to be established.
Julian Sands remains found
Police have confirmed human remains discovered by hikers in the US are those of missing Brit actor Julian Sands.
The A Room With A View star 65, went missing on January 13 while hiking in the Baldy Bowl area of California’s San Gabriel peaks.
'We are deeply touched'
The statement given by Julian Sands' family read:
"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 went on to list various organisations involved in the search.
"We are deeply touched by the outpouring of love and support," it added.
Family gives update
Julian Sands' family has shared an update on his disappearance after the actor vanished on a mountain hike.
A search is currently underway to locate the British actor, 65, who was last seen in California's San Gabriel Mountains, near the Mount Baldy area.
His worried family praised the "heroic" efforts of Californian authorities in a statement shared by the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Office.
Car found
Authorities have found a car belonging to Julian Sands near where he was reported missing, the reports.
The San Bernandino County Sheriff's department confirmed the vehicle was found in a parking lot near where Sands was believed to have departed for his hike.
The car was towed away per his family's request.
Julian’s two loves are 'connected'
Julian said that “mountain climbing and filmmaking are very connected” in an interview with the in 2013.
“There’s always another mountain," the actor said.
“And ultimately the point of climbing a mountain is that the mountain is within.
“And I think that’s true, too, of the acting experience.”
Julian is a frequent hiker
Julian Sands told the in 2020 that he is happiest when he’s “close to a mountain summit on a glorious cold morning.”
He also told the outlet that the closest he had come to death was in the early 1990s in the Andes Mountains.
The actor had been hiking with three others on a mountain over 20,000 feet high and a storm nearly killed the group.
About Julian Sands
The actor, born on January 4, 1958, is British, but lives in Los Angeles.
He’s known most notably for his movies – and he’s been in more than 150 of them.
He’s also had several television roles, as well as played a voice actor for video games.
Sands has been married twice
Julian Sands has been married twice, the first time to British journalist Sarah Harvey.
The former couple shares one son named Henry.
His second, and current wife, is also a journalist, named Evgenia Citkowitz.
The couple shares two daughters.
Another Los Angeles man is missing
San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department has announced that while officers are searching for Julian Sands, the department is also searching for another man named Bob Gregory.
Gregory is from Hawthorne and he has been missing since Monday.
He had been hiking near Crystal Lake in the San Gabriel Mountains.
Fourteen rescue missions in four weeks
San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department said in a that search and rescue teams have responded to 14 rescue missions in the Mount Baldy area in the past four weeks.
“These rescue missions have been for lost, stranded and/or injured hikers,” the agency said.
“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.”
Fourteen rescue missions in four weeks
San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department said in a that search and rescue teams have responded to 14 rescue missions in the Mount Baldy area in the past four weeks.
“These rescue missions have been for lost, stranded and/or injured hikers,” the agency said.
“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.”
Sands’ filmography
Julian Sands is known for his work in shows like 24 and Smallville.
He’s also famous for his roles in A Room with a View, Arachnophobia, and The Killing Fields.
The actor recently had a recurring role in Netflix’s TV series What/If.
Search for Sands uses drones
Law enforcement is currently using drones and air resources to search for the British actor.
Rescuers had to suspend their search by land due to severe weather and an avalanche threat, according to the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department.
Film producer is ‘devastated’ about friend
British film producer Cassian Elwes took to Twitter to share that he’s “devastated” about his missing friend.
“A very close family friend who was an adventurer in everything he did,” Elwes wrote.
“I’ve said many prayers.”
Reported missing Friday evening
Julian Sands was reported missing Friday evening at 7.30pm.
reported a spokesperson for the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department said: “On Friday at about 7.30pm, a hiker identified as 65-year-old Julian Sands of North Hollywood, was reported missing in the Baldy Bowl area of Mt. Baldy.
“Search and Rescue crews responded and began a search. Due to trail conditions and the risk of avalanche, the ground crews were pulled off the mountain on Saturday evening.
“However, we continue to search by helicopter and drones when weather permits. We will schedule another ground search when the weather improves, and it is safe for our ground crews.”
Actor currently lives in Hollywood
Julian Sands is known for his roles in over 150 films and TV shows, including the 1985 feature A Room with a View, Warlock, and Leaving Las Vegas.
Julian was born in England, but has been living in the North Hollywood area.
