British actor Julian Sands’ family release statement 6 months after he first went missing
The family of missing actor Julian Sands have released a statement thanking rescuers for their efforts.
Sands disappeared while hiking in the San Gabriel mountains in January. Police confirmed that Sands, who is known for his roles in 1989 film Warlock, Naked Lunch (1991) and Ocean's 13 (2007), was last seen in the Mount Baldy on 13 January.
A search and rescue operation has been underway in that time, however, rescuers have previously had to pull out of the area due to risks of avalanche.
Now, Sands' family have released a statement thanking rescue teams for their efforts.
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They said: "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.”
The statement was released in a tweet by the San Bernardino County Sheriff, saying: "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 17th search and the previous search missions."
A statement released by San Bernardino County Sheriff’s department at the time said: "On Friday, January 13, at about 7:30 pm, a hiker, identified as 65-year-old Julian Sands of North Hollywood was reported missing in the Baldy Bowl area.
“Sheriff’s Department Search and Rescue crews responded and began a search. Because of avalanche risks and trail conditions, the ground crews were pulled off the mountain on Saturday evening.
“However, we continue to search by helicopter and drones when the weather permits.”
Sands had previously spoken about his passion for mountain climbing, telling the Yorkshire Post: "And, you know what? Mountain climbing and film making 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."
Search and rescue operations have been hampered for months due to weather conditions in the region. The search had involved helicopters, and drones as well as some 80 staff, deputies, and volunteers.
Despite Sands still remaining missing, the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Departments confirmed that the case is still 'active' in a tweet.
Several people have previously died while on the trails in the area. In 2019 the Sreenivas Mokkapati, 52, of Irvine, died after losing his group on the mountain.
Kit Roberts