Chloe Rowland
Human remains found amid the search for missing actor Julian Sands have been confirmed to be his, the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department has said.
The 65-year-old was reported missing more than five months ago after he failed to return from a hike in the San Gabriel mountains, California, in January.
The remains were found by hikers on the trail on Saturday morning (June 24).
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 24 June, 2023, has been completed and was positively identified as 65-year-old Julian Sands of North Hollywood.
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"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."
The star's family previously released a statement, saying: "We are deeply grateful to the search teams and coordinators who have worked tirelessly to find Julian.
“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.”
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The actor was best known for starring in A Room With A View alongside Helena Bonham Carter, as well as TV shows including 24, Smallville and Banshee.
Sands had a passion for climbing, explaining in 2020 that he was the happiest while 'close to a mountain summit on a glorious cold morning'.
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He told the Yorkshire Post: "And, you know what? Mountain climbing and filmmaking are very connected.
"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."
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Search and rescue operations had been hampered for months due to weather conditions in the region. The search involved helicopters and drones as well as some 80 staff, deputies, and volunteers.
Sands shares a son with Sarah Sands, who he was married to between 1984 and 1987. He also has two daughters with journalist Evgenia Citkowitz, whom he married in 1990.
If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence, contact Cruse Bereavement Care via their national helpline on 0808 808 1677