Sands, known for his roles in movies like A Room with a View, was reported missing on January 13 after he went hiking in the Mount Baldy area, leading to a massive search. Bad weather and avalanche hazards hampered the initial search for the 65-year-old man, and rescuers used helicopters and drones when conditions became too bad for a ground search.
Earlier this week, before the body was reported, Sands’ family released their first statement since his disappearance, thanking the search team and coordinators for “working tirelessly to find Julian.” The Associated Press reported.
“We hold Julien in our hearts with the brightest memories of him as a wonderful father, husband, explorer, lover of the natural world and the arts, and a creative and collaborative performer.” said the family.
Since January, officials have conducted eight searches for Sands, and volunteers have spent more than 500 hours searching for him, according to the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department. early this month. Sands is married and has three children, according to the Associated Press.
More than 80 volunteers searched for Sands on June 17, but were unsuccessful again, according to the Sheriff’s Department.
But even in milder climates, much of Baldy Mountain still remains “inaccessible due to extreme alpine conditions,” the report said. “There are rugged terrain and canyons in several areas where there are still more than 10 feet of ice and snow.” Baldy’s highest elevation, he said, is 10,000 feet.
After Sands’ disappearance, authorities warned people We hiked Mount Baldy in “adverse and extremely dangerous” conditions, including high winds, snow and ice.
At least two hikers fell to their deaths in or near the Baldy Mountains area in the four weeks ending January 18, according to the Sheriff’s Department.
