Sands, known for his roles in films such as “A Room With a View,” was reported missing Jan. 13 after hiking in the Mount Baldy area, leading to an extensive search. Bad weather and the risk of avalanches hampered the 65-year-old’s early hunt, with rescuers using helicopters and drones when conditions became too difficult for ground searches.
Earlier this week, before the remains were reported, Sands’ family released their first statement since his disappearance, thanking the search teams and coordinators who “worked tirelessly to find Julian”, the Associated reported. Press.
“We continue to hold Julian in our hearts with fond memories of him as a wonderful father, husband, explorer, lover of the natural world and the arts, and an original and collaborative performer,” the family said.
Since January, authorities have conducted eight searches for Sands and volunteers have spent more than 500 hours searching for him, the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department said earlier this month. Sands is married and has three children, the AP reported.
On June 17, more than 80 volunteers conducted a search for Sands that was again unsuccessful, the sheriff’s department said.
But even in warm weather, large parts of Mount Baldy remain “inaccessible due to extreme alpine conditions,” he said. “Several areas include steep terrain and ravines, which still have over 10 feet of ice and snow.” Mount Baldy has a maximum elevation of 10,000 feet.
After Sands disappeared, authorities warned people against hiking Mount Baldy in “adverse and extremely dangerous” conditions in the area, including high winds, snow and ice.
At least two hikers died in falls in or around the Mount Baldy area in the four weeks leading up to Jan. 18, the sheriff’s department said.