Human remains found in California where actor Julian Sands went missing

Hikers have discovered human remains in the vicinity of where English actor Julian Sands went missing.

California hikers discovered human remains Saturday in the wilderness area where actor Julian Sands went missing more than five months ago, police said.

Officials have not identified the victim.

The remains were transported to the coroner’s office for confirmation, which is expected to be completed next week, The New York Post reports.

British actor Julian Sands was reported missing a week after he went hiking in a snowy mountain range in California, in January 2023. Picture: Robyn Beck/AFP.

Sands was reported missing on January 13 when he failed to return from a hiking trip in Mount Baldy, located about 72 kilometres east of Los Angeles.

The search, which consisted of 80 volunteers and officials, resumed on June 17 following a temporary suspension.

Police have conducted eight ground and air searches since Sands’ disappearance on the mountain.

“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 [about 16 metres] of ice and snow,” San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Office said last week.

Search and rescue crews have been searching for British actor Julian Sands at Mount Baldy. Picture: Facebook / West Valley Search and Rescue.

Two helicopters, drones, and volunteers have been deployed in the search. Picture: Facebook/West Valley Search and Rescue.

Sands’ family spoke for the first time since his disappearance on Friday, local time, expressing their gratitude for the ongoing search and rescue efforts.

“We are deeply grateful to the search teams and co-ordinators who have worked tirelessly to find Julian,” the statement 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 known for starring in films such as Arachnophobia’, ‘A Room with a View,’ ‘Warlock’ and ‘Leaving Las Vegas’.

The search for Sands (pictured) was hampered by bad weather. Picture: Scott Kirkland/Getty Images North America/AFP.

Mount Baldy is considered one of the most dangerous peaks to climb in California. Picture: Facebook, West Valley Search and Rescue

West Valley Search and Rescue, only days ago, continued an “all day” search for the actor. Picture: Facebook / West Valley Search and Rescue.

Mt. Baldy is considered one of the most dangerous peaks to climb in California.

Six people have died as crews conducted over 100 searches as thrillseekers and hiking veterans are drawn to the challenge of the more than 16,000 metre mountain, according to the Los Angeles Times.

In January, officials found hiker Jin Chung, 75, who became lost on Mount Baldy and was hospitalised with a leg injury and other weather-related injuries.

Prior to Chung’s brief disappearance, a mother of four fell more than 500 to 700 feet to her death.

Crystal Paula Gonzalez, who was known as a “Hiking Queen,” slipped on the steep icy hillside and later died from her injuries, according to officials.

This article originally appeared on the New York Post and has been reproduced with permission.