San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department confirmed on Tuesday morning that the human remains found over the weekend belonged to actor Julian Sands. “The identification process for the body located on Mt. Baldy on June 24, 2023, has been completed and was positively identified as 65-year-old Julian Sands of North Hollywood,†the statement read. “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 locate Mr. Sands.†On Saturday, hikers found human remains in the area where Sands went missing in January while hiking near California’s Mount Baldy.
The announcement comes a few days after Sands’s family released a statement regarding the actor’s disappearance. “We are deeply grateful to the search teams and coordinators who have worked tirelessly to find Julian,†his family said in their first statement since search efforts began. “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.†Known for his roles in A Room With a View, The Killing Fields, Warlock, and Arachnophobia, Sands was officially reported missing on January 13. Per Deadline, San Bernardino sheriffs said they have since conducted eight searches and eight other operations to find the 65-year-old actor. Efforts have been delayed for several months due to weather conditions and recently resumed with a search last Saturday that reportedly involved helicopters, drone crews, and more than 80 volunteers, deputies, and staff.
This post has been updated throughout.