Human remains have been found in the search for British actor Julian Sands, who went missing five months ago, authorities have confirmed.
The 65-year-old, from Yorkshire, was reported missing on January 13 when he did not return from a hike in the Mount Baldy area.
Authorities immediately issued a search and rescue mission; however rescuers were forced to withdraw their efforts due to risks of avalanche.
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On June 17, more than 80 search and rescue volunteers, deputies and staff headed to the area to continue the search, with the help of a drone crew and two helicopters.
However, their efforts were unsuccessful.
The San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department said at the time: "Although missing hiker, Julian Sands, was not located during the recent search mission, the case remains active.
"We want to thank all the individuals who assisted in the June 17 search and the previous search missions.
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"Despite the recent warmer weather, portions of the mountain remain inaccessible due to extreme alpine conditions. "Multiple areas include steep terrain and ravines, which still have 10-plus feet of ice and snow."
Now, almost six months on since the actor went missing, human remains were discovered by hikers near Mount Baldy in Southern California on Saturday, June 25, the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department said.
They have since been taken to the coroner's office for identification, and formal identification is expected to be completed next week.
Earlier this week, Sands' family released a statement to thank those who have been involved in the search.
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"We are deeply grateful to the search teams and coordinators who have worked tirelessly to find Julian," they said.
“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."
Sands is best known for his roles in Ocean's Thirteen, Naked Lunch and Warlock, as well as TV appearances on Smallville and Banshee.
His love for hiking was well documented, with him previously telling the Yorkshire Post: "And, you know what? Mountain climbing and film making are very connected.
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"There’s always another mountain. 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."
Police previously said they were carrying out the search efforts in a bid to find closure for the actor's family.
Emma Rosemurgey