Julian Sands: Helicopters again grounded by high winds in search for missing actor

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Authorities in California say the search for Julian Sands will continue by air only.

The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department released an update on Wednesday evening US time to say helicopters continued to search the San Gabriel Mountains for any sign of the missing British actor.

The California Highway Patrol’s Valley Division Air Ops has been brought in to assist the search using a device that can detect reflective material and in some cases credit cards, the sheriff’s office said.

Meanwhile, Julian Sands’ brother Nick has said that he knows “in my heart” that his sibling is no longer alive, as the search for the missing British actor approached its second week.

“However sibling rivalry being what it is, it would be just like him to walk out of there and prove me wrong,” Nick said in comments to his his local Yorkshire paper, the Craven Herald.

Sands was reported missing on 13 January, sparking a major search and rescue effort led by the San Bernardino Sheriff’s Office.

On Tuesday, an official statement from the sheriff’s office said that fresh searches on higher ground for Sands are still not possible due to poor conditions.

Last week, Sands’ family released the last known images of him mountaineering, telling The Independent: “This is how he would love to be seen, doing what he loved best – a heroic mountaineer.”

Key points

  • Police say search will continue by air only

  • A missing hiker has been located on Mt Baldy

  • Julian Sands’ brother says he fears missing actor won’t be found

  • Sands’ family issues statement thanking authorities for search effort

  • Julian Sands: A timeline of missing actor’s disappearance

RECAP: Ground search for Julian Sands suspended

Thursday 26 January 2023 06:23 , Adam Withnall

The search for missing actor Julian Sands in California’s San Gabriel Mountains is currently only being conducted by the air, police say.

As the effort to find Sands neared its second week, The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department said on Wednesday evening that ground searches in higher areas were no longer possible due to poor local weather conditions.

Police shared pictures of the helicopters still being used in the aerial search and said the California Highway Patrol’s Valley Division Air Ops has been brought in to assist.

Searchers are using a RECCO device – a radar system that can detect corresponding RECCO reflectors worn by mountaineers on their clothing and bags, as well as other reflective surfaces such as electronics and even sometimes credit cards.

“We are hopeful our [California Highway Patrol] partners, Officers Hertzell & Calcutt, can pinpoint an area where we can focus our search efforts, and we thank them for their assistance,” the latest police update read, adding that “additional information will be released when it becomes available”.

Sands, 65, was hiking in the Baldy Bowl area of the San Gabriel Mountains, north of Los Angeles, when he went missing on 13 January. He has not been heard from since.

Tuesday 24 January 2023 00:30 , Louis Chilton

Here’s a bit of a breakdown of Sands’ career and life, for anyone less familiar with his backstory.

An actor of talent and unusual range, Sands has appeared in more than 150 film and TV projects across his career.

Read more:

Julian Sands, the prolific star of Arachnophobia, missing in California

Federal agencies have joined the search for Sands

Tuesday 24 January 2023 01:58 , Tom Murray

A reminder that both national and state officials are now working with the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s office to locate Sands.

“We are working with state and federal agencies that have cell phone forensics to assist us in pinpointing a location, but so far no new info has been developed,” The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s office said in a statement shared Friday (20 January).

Read more:

Federal agencies join the search for missing British actor Julian Sands

Reverand Richard Coles called Sands ‘dazzling’

Tuesday 24 January 2023 03:00 , Tom Murray

“I knew #JulianSands a bit back in the 80s when his brother shared a mouse-infested flat with my best friend,” Coles wrote on Twitter.

“He was so dazzling and so delightful and everyone who loves him is beside themselves with worry.”

British film producer Cassian Elewes shared a heartfelt message

Tuesday 24 January 2023 04:01 , Tom Murray

Elewes also shared a note about Sands on Twitter.

“I’ve known since Friday that my friend Julian Sands has been missing on mt baldy. I’m devastated. A very close family friend who was an adventurer in everything he did. I’ve said many prayers,” he wrote.

No fixed deadline for end of search, authorities say

Tuesday 24 January 2023 04:45 , Peony Hirwani

US authorities have said that there is still “no hard deadline” for calling off the search for Julian Sands.

San Bernardino County Sheriff’s department said that the incident was still being classified as a search and rescue operation.

“We will schedule another ground search when the weather improves, and it is safe for our ground crews,” a spokesperson from the department said.

Sands’ family have shared a statement thanking authorities for the “heroic” search effort, which is still ongoing.

Tuesday 24 January 2023 05:30 , Peony Hirwani

“Our heartfelt thanks to the compassionate members of the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department who are coordinating the search for our beloved Julian, not least the heroic search teams listed below who are braving difficult conditions on the ground and in the air to bring Julian home,” it read.

Is the climate crisis behind a string of California hiker tragedies?

Tuesday 24 January 2023 06:19 , Peony Hirwani

Josh Marcus writes:

Julian Sands is the latest hiker to go missing. Is climate change to blame?

The sheriff department’s update about the search

Tuesday 24 January 2023 06:59 , Peony Hirwani

“As we enter day 11 of the search for Julian Sands on Mt Baldy, we are reminded of the sheer determination and selflessness of all of the people who have aided in this search,” the authority said.

“We will continue to utilise the resources available to us.”

Mount Baldy conditions ‘extremely dangerous’ since Sands went missing

Tuesday 24 January 2023 07:49 , Peony Hirwani

The conditions on Mount Baldy, where rescuers are searching for Julian Sands, are “adverse and extremely dangerous” and are not favourable even for highly experienced hikers, police warned this week.

“Due to the high winds, the snow has turned to ice making hiking extremely dangerous,” San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department said on Friday.

“Sheriff’s Search and Rescue efforts are often hampered by poor weather along with dangerous avalanche conditions. The recent storms that brought the snow and ice conditions are not favorable for hikers, even those that feel they have a high level of experience.”

Actor Matthew Modine prays for Julian Sands’s safe return

Tuesday 24 January 2023 08:29 , Peony Hirwani

“Julian Sands is a wonderful man, husband, father, and friend to so so many. A gentle, kind soul. Keep candles burning for his safe return from the mountain he loves,” Matthew Modine wrote on Twitter.

Tuesday 24 January 2023 08:49 , Peony Hirwani

Frank Marshall sends wishes to Julian Sands’s family

Tuesday 24 January 2023 09:29 , Peony Hirwani

“Hope and thoughts going out to the family of my dear friend and wonderful actor, Julian Sands, who is missing on Mt Baldy. Let’s all pray for a miracle,” Frank Marshall wrote on Twitter.

Tuesday 24 January 2023 10:09 , Peony Hirwani

Air search continues for missing British actor in California.

Julian Sands: Air search continues for missing British actor in California

At least 19 people killed in California storms

Tuesday 24 January 2023 10:49 , Peony Hirwani

California has been hit by a string of violent winter storms that have brought flooding and major snowfall, prompting power cuts and evacuations and leading to the deaths of at least 19 people.

According to the sheriff’s department, it has launched 14 search and rescue missions in the Mount Baldy area alone over the past month, with two hikers dying on the mountain.

In addition to Julian Sands, rescuers in Los Angeles county are also currently searching the San Gabriel range for missing 61-year-old hiker Robert Gregory.

Last pictures actor Julian Sands sent to his grandson from snow-clad mountain peak

Tuesday 24 January 2023 11:29 , Peony Hirwani

The family of Julian Sands released the last known images of him mountaineering.

A family member told The Independent: “This is how he would love to be seen, doing what he loved best – a heroic mountaineer, and thrilled to send a picture of him looking so happy to share with his beloved grandson, Billy.”

And a friend described him as “a Byronesque romantic and an adventurer who is drawn to the extremes of nature, relishing the freedom of mountains”.

Read more:

‘What he loved best’: Last pictures actor Julian Sands sent from snow-clad mountain

Sheriff’s department now searching for two missing hikers on Mt Baldy

Tuesday 24 January 2023 12:19 , Peony Hirwani

On Sunday 22 January, personnel from Sheriff’s Search and Rescue and the Fontana Sheriff’s Station were requested to search for the missing hiker, Jin Chung.

Chung initially carpooled to Mt Baldy with two others but separated from them when they arrived, with an understanding they would meet back at the vehicle at 2 pm.

The other hikers returned safely but Chung has not been seen or heard from.

Video report: Who is the Hollywood British actor missing in California?

Tuesday 24 January 2023 13:09 , Peony Hirwani

Sands’ brother Nick says he ‘knows in his heart’ sibling is no longer alive

Tuesday 24 January 2023 16:54 , Andy Gregory

A brother of Julian Sands has said that he “knows in his heart” that his sibling is no longer alive.

Nick Sands, who lives in Gargrave, Yorkshire, and last saw his brother in October, told the local Craven Herald newspaper: “He has not yet been declared missing, presumed dead, but I know in my heart that he has gone. However sibling rivalry being what it is, it would be just like him to walk out of there and prove me wrong.

“On Monday, he had planned to join his brothers for our Monday Club for a beer in Skipton; he will be missed, and I guess we will raise a glass to him.”

He added: “When in LA, the Mt Baldy mountain range was his favourite place, he would go there as often as he could, Julian liked to say ‘I have never had a holiday but I do rest occasionally’ – well he’s resting now in a place he would truly approve of.”

Julian Sands’ family are ‘frantic with worry’ after the British actor went missing

Tuesday 24 January 2023 18:00 , Andy Gregory

The search for Julian Sands is now in its 11th day, with his family issuing a statement on Monday thanking authorities for their “heroic” efforts.

“His family are frantic with worry,” a close friend told The Independent.

Julian Sands, the prolific star of Arachnophobia, missing in California

Another hiker disappears on mountain where Sands went missing

Tuesday 24 January 2023 19:12 , Sam Rkaina

Another hiker has disappeared on the mountain where actor Julian Sands went missing, the authorities have said.

Jin Chung, 75, from Los Angeles has been missing since Sunday after last being seen at around 6am in a carpool to Mount Baldy with two others, the San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department has said.

The group of three agreed to meet back at the car at around 2pm, but the 75-year-old never appeared.

Click here for the full story.

Friends pay tribute to missing actor as search enters 12th day

Tuesday 24 January 2023 19:45 , Sam Rkaina

The mountaineering community is in mourning as the prospects of finding missing Hollywood actor Julian Sands grow dimmer by the day.

“The climbing community kind of deals with this a lot, but it’s still a tragedy for all of us,” Gordon Janow, director of Alpine Ascents International, told The Independent.

Mr Janow said he would remember his friend of 20 years as a Renaissance man who was just as at home in the mountains as he was in front of the screen.

Click here for the full story.

 (PA Archive)
(PA Archive)

Sands ‘always pleasant, upbeat and erudite’, says friend

Tuesday 24 January 2023 20:46 , Andy Gregory

Julian Sands is an “intellect in some ways and down to earth in others” and “always pleasant, upbeat, erudite, interesting to talk to,” a friend has told The Independent.

Gordon Janow, the director of Alpine Ascents International, who has known Sands for 20 years, said: “We discussed art, literature, travel, architecture. Our conversations spanned a lot of fields. He was very easy to talk to.”

As the search expanded, a team from Mr Janow’s mountaneering guide firm Alpine Ascents International were brought into help Sands’ family and officials to locate the 65-year-old.

Efforts to find second missing hiker boosts ground search for Sands, say rescuers

Tuesday 24 January 2023 21:50 , Andy Gregory

It has emerged that a second hiker has gone missing in the Mt Baldy area – which sheriffs say has allowed ground crews a renewed opportunity to search for Julian Sands.

Jin Chung, 75, from Los Angeles has been missing since Sunday after last being seen at around 6am in a carpool to Mount Baldy with two others, the San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department said.

A search was conducted overnight but the hiker wasn’t found. The search for Jin Chung was set to carry on Tuesday but without the aid of helicopters because of warnings of strong winds.

The agency revealed that the ground search for the 75-year-old has allowed crews a renewed opportunity to search for Mr Sands.

Julian Sands’ family thanks ‘heroic’ efforts of search and rescue teams

Tuesday 24 January 2023 22:45 , Bevan Hurley

On Monday, the Leaving Las Vegas star’s family thanked authorities for their “heroic” efforts in the search.

“Our heartfelt thanks to the compassionate members of the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department who are coordinating the search for our beloved Julian, not least the heroic search teams listed below who are braving difficult conditions on the ground and in the air to bring Julian home,” the statement read.

Julian Sands’ brother says he knows ‘in his heart’ his brother is gone

Tuesday 24 January 2023 23:45 , Bevan Hurley

Julian Sands’ brother has revealed that he “knows in his heart” that his missing sibling is no longer alive.

Nick Sands, from Gargrave, Yorkshire, told the Craven Herald that he had accepted that the prospects of finding the Leaving Las Vegas actor 11 days after he went missing in treacherous conditions in a Californian mountain range alive had all but gone.

“He has not yet been declared missing, presumed dead, but I know in my heart that he has gone,” Nick Sands told the local news site.

“However, sibling rivalry being what it is, it would be just like him to walk out of there and prove me wrong.”

Julian Sands’ brother says he fears missing actor won’t be found

‘It’s a tragedy for all of us’

Wednesday 25 January 2023 00:45 , Bevan Hurley

The mountaineering community is in mourning as the prospects of finding missing Hollywood actor Julian Sands grow dimmer by the day.

“The climbing community kind of deals with this a lot, but it’s still a tragedy for all of us,” Gordon Janow, director of Alpine Ascents International, told The Independent.

Mr Janow said he would remember his friend of 20 years as a Renaissance man who was just as at home in the mountains as he was in front of the camera.

Climbing friends pays tribute to missing actor Julian Sands as search enters 12th day

Is the climate crisis behind a string of California hiker tragedies?

Wednesday 25 January 2023 01:45 , Bevan Hurley

On a clear day, the peak of southern California’s 10,000ft Mount Baldy looms over the Los Angeles skyline.

The mountain is emblematic of a growing threat: the deadly impact of the climate crisis on one of America’s favourite pastimes, the great outdoors.

This month, as climate-amped superstorms battered California, first responders have carried out 14 rescue missions on Mount Baldy’s peak, the highest summit in the San Gabriel mountain range.

Two people have died and a third man, the British actor Julian Sands, is still missing after nearly a week.

The Independent’s Josh Marcus investigates the link between climbing accidents and climate.

Julian Sands is the latest hiker to go missing. Is climate change to blame?

Watch: Who is the British actor missing in California?

Wednesday 25 January 2023 03:00 , Bevan Hurley

Watch below for a short history of Julian Sands’ biography, career milestones, and the details surrounding his missing person’s case.

Julian Sands: Who is the Hollywood British actor missing in California?

A missing hiker has been located on Mt Baldy

Wednesday 25 January 2023 03:30 , Peony Hirwani

The San Bernardino County’s rescue team has located the second hiker who was missing on Mt Baldy.

A 75-year-old hiker named Jin Chung was located on Tuesday (24 January) by the search and rescue team, according to the San Bernardino County Sheriffs.

“Jin suffered some weather-related injuries and a leg injury but was able to walk out with the assistance of the crew members,” the statement read. “He was transported to a local hospital for treatment. No further information is currently available.”

Search teams find second lost hiker in area where actor Julian Sands went missing

Julian Sands’ family are ‘frantic with worry’ after the British actor went missing

Wednesday 25 January 2023 04:00 , Bevan Hurley

The search for Julian Sands is now in its 11th day, with his family issuing a statement on Monday thanking authorities for their “heroic” efforts.

“His family are frantic with worry,” a close friend told The Independent.

‘What he loved best’: Last pictures actor Julian Sands sent from snow-clad mountain

San Bernardino County Sheriff’s update on Julian Sands’ search

Wednesday 25 January 2023 04:30 , Peony Hirwani

The sheriff’s department also announced that they’re closing in on the second full week of the search for missing hiker, Julian Sands.

“Numerous ground and air search efforts have taken place,” the new statement reads. “As of this time, Mr Sands has not been found and no evidence of his current location has been discovered.

“The search will continue, weather and ground conditions permitting.”

Julian Sands’ family thanks ‘heroic’ efforts of search and rescue teams

Wednesday 25 January 2023 06:00 , Bevan Hurley

On Monday, the Leaving Las Vegas star’s family thanked authorities for their “heroic” efforts in the search.

“Our heartfelt thanks to the compassionate members of the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department who are coordinating the search for our beloved Julian, not least the heroic search teams listed below who are braving difficult conditions on the ground and in the air to bring Julian home,” the statement read.

Julian Sands’ brother says he knows ‘in his heart’ his brother is gone

Wednesday 25 January 2023 07:00 , Bevan Hurley

Julian Sands’ brother has revealed that he “knows in his heart” that his missing sibling is no longer alive.

Nick Sands, from Gargrave, Yorkshire, told the Craven Herald that he had accepted that the prospects of finding the Leaving Las Vegas actor 11 days after he went missing in treacherous conditions in a Californian mountain range alive had all but gone.

“He has not yet been declared missing, presumed dead, but I know in my heart that he has gone,” Nick Sands told the local news site.

“However, sibling rivalry being what it is, it would be just like him to walk out of there and prove me wrong.”

Julian Sands’ brother says he fears missing actor won’t be found

High-ground efforts delayed as Julian Sands search nears end of second week

Wednesday 25 January 2023 07:30 , Peony Hirwani

An update shared by San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department on Tuesday (24 January) said “numerous” ground and air searches for Julian Sands had previously taken place in lower areas, but no evidence of the actor’s location had been found.

The official statement added that fresh searches on higher ground for Sands are still not possible due to poor conditions.

“The Sheriff’s Department is closing in on the second full week of the search for missing hiker, Julian Sands,” the online statement read.

“Numerous ground and air search efforts have taken place. As of this time, Mr. Sands has not been found and no evidence of his current location has been discovered.

“The search will continue, weather and ground conditions permitting.”

The statement added: “Regardless of precautions taken by hikers, the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department highly recommends hikers avoid hazardous mountainous areas, such as Mt Baldy, at this time.”

Is the climate crisis behind a string of California hiker tragedies?

Wednesday 25 January 2023 08:00 , Bevan Hurley

On a clear day, the peak of southern California’s 10,000ft Mount Baldy looms over the Los Angeles skyline.

The mountain is emblematic of a growing threat: the deadly impact of the climate crisis on one of America’s favourite pastimes, the great outdoors.

This month, as climate-amped superstorms battered California, first responders have carried out 14 rescue missions on Mount Baldy’s peak, the highest summit in the San Gabriel mountain range.

Two people have died and a third man, the British actor Julian Sands, is still missing after nearly a week.

The Independent’s Josh Marcus investigates the link between climbing accidents and climate.

Julian Sands is the latest hiker to go missing. Is climate change to blame?

Watch: Who is the British actor missing in California?

Wednesday 25 January 2023 09:00 , Bevan Hurley

Watch below for a short history of Julian Sands’ biography, career milestones, and the details surrounding his missing person’s case.

Julian Sands: Who is the Hollywood British actor missing in California?

Julian Sands’ family are ‘frantic with worry’ after the British actor went missing

Wednesday 25 January 2023 10:00 , Peony Hirwani

The search for Julian Sands is now in its 11th day, with his family issuing a statement on Monday thanking authorities for their “heroic” efforts.

“His family are frantic with worry,” a close friend told The Independent.

Julian Sands, the prolific star of Arachnophobia, missing in California

Frank Marshall sends wishes to Julian Sands’s family

Wednesday 25 January 2023 11:00 , Peony Hirwani

“Hope and thoughts going out to the family of my dear friend and wonderful actor, Julian Sands, who is missing on Mt Baldy. Let’s all pray for a miracle,” Frank Marshall wrote on Twitter.

At least 19 people killed in California storms

Wednesday 25 January 2023 12:00 , Peony Hirwani

California has been hit by a string of violent winter storms that have brought flooding and major snowfall, prompting power cuts and evacuations and leading to the deaths of at least 19 people.

According to the sheriff’s department, it has launched 14 search and rescue missions in the Mount Baldy area alone over the past month, with two hikers dying on the mountain.

In addition to Julian Sands, rescuers in Los Angeles county are also currently searching the San Gabriel range for missing 61-year-old hiker Robert Gregory.

Authorities continue the search for Julian Sands

Wednesday 25 January 2023 14:27 , Inga Parkel

On Tuesday (24 January), the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department maintained that “the search will continue, weather and ground conditions permitting”.

The search for the British actor is nearing the end of its second week. And while “numerous ground and air search efforts have taken place” the new statement reads, “as of this time, Mr Sands has not been found and no evidence of his current location has been discovered.”

Authorities added that fresh searches on higher ground for Sands are still not possible due to poor conditions.

Weather conditions in Mount Baldy

Wednesday 25 January 2023 15:00 , Inga Parkel

Last week’s weather in the Mount Baldy area prohibited ground teams from continuing the search via foot due to avalanche and trail conditions. Instead, air searches via helicopters and drones were deployed.

The current weather forecast for today, Wednesday (25 January), is 25 F (-3 C), but with current wind temperatures, it actually feels like 16 F (-8 C). There are no snow predictions until Sunday (29 January).

Sands still missing as second missing hiker located

Wednesday 25 January 2023 15:30 , Inga Parkel

On Sunday (22 January), over a week after Sands was reported missing, authorities were requested to start a search for a second missing hiker, Jin Chung.

A few days later on Tuesday (24 January), the San Bernardino Sheriff’s Department successfully located Chung. The 75-year-old Los Angeles resident “was transported to a local hospital for treatment”.

He had “suffered some weather-related injuries and a leg injury but was able to walk out with the assistance of the crew members”.

Sands' friend will remember actor as a ‘Renaissance man’

Wednesday 25 January 2023 16:30 , Inga Parkel

As the prospects of finding missing Hollywood actor Julian Sands grow dimmer by the day, the mountaineering community is mourning.

“The climbing community kind of deals with this a lot, but it’s still a tragedy for all of us,” Gordon Janow, director of Alpine Ascents International, told The Independent.

Janow said he would remember his friend of 20 years as a Renaissance man who was just as at home in the mountains as he was in front of the camera.

Julian Sands (REUTERS)
Julian Sands (REUTERS)

Climbing friends pays tribute to missing actor Julian Sands as search enters 12th day

‘He was a wonderful man to deal with. Always pleasant, upbeat, erudite, interesting to talk to’

Julian Sands’ family are ‘frantic with worry'

Wednesday 25 January 2023 17:30 , Inga Parkel

With the search for Julian Sands now entering its 13th day, “his family are frantic with worry”, a close friend told The Independent.

On Monday (23 January), the British actor’s family sent their “heartfelt thanks” to authorities and search teams for their “heroic” efforts.

Julian Sands (PA Wire)
Julian Sands (PA Wire)

Julian Sands, the prolific star of Arachnophobia, missing in California

Sands has appeared in more than 150 films and TV series

Julian Sands’ brother knows ‘in his heart’ actor is gone

Wednesday 25 January 2023 18:39 , Inga Parkel

Julian Sands’ older brother Nick Sands has shared that he knows “in his heart” the missing British actor is no longer alive.

Nick told the Craven Herald that he had accepted that the prospects of finding the Leaving Las Vegas actor 11 days after he went missing in treacherous conditions in a Californian mountain range alive had all but gone.

“He has not yet been declared missing, presumed dead, but I know in my heart that he has gone,” Nick told the local news site.

“However, sibling rivalry being what it is, it would be just like him to walk out of there and prove me wrong.”

Julian Sands (Mike Lawn/Shutterstock)
Julian Sands (Mike Lawn/Shutterstock)

Julian Sands’ brother says he fears missing actor won’t be found

“Julian liked to say ‘I have never had a holiday but I do rest occasionally’ – well he’s resting now in a place he would truly approve of,” his brother Nick says

How many siblings does Julian Sands have?

Wednesday 25 January 2023 19:30 , Inga Parkel

In addition to his older brother Nick Sands, who recently spoke to a local news site about the British actor, Julian Sands has three more brothers.

Julian is the third of five children, all boys, of his since-divorced parents William and Brenda Sands.

Before Julian’s disappearance, he was scheduled to meet Nick and his other three brothers Robin, Jeremy, and Quentin for their weekly “Monday Club”.

At least 19 people killed in California storms

Wednesday 25 January 2023 20:30 , Inga Parkel

California has been hit by a string of violent winter storms that have brought flooding and major snowfall, prompting power cuts and evacuations and leading to the deaths of at least 19 people.

According to the sheriff’s department, it has launched 14 search and rescue missions in the Mount Baldy area alone over the past month, with two hikers found dead in the mountains.

In addition to Julian Sands, rescuers in Los Angeles county are also currently searching the San Gabriel range for missing 61-year-old hiker Robert Gregory.

Earlier this week, 75-year-old hiker Jin Chung was located and rescued after he had gone missing on Sunday (22 January).

Is the climate crisis behind California’s string of hiker tragedies?

Wednesday 25 January 2023 21:30 , Inga Parkel

This month, as climate-amped superstorms battered California, first responders have carried out 14 rescue missions on Mount Baldy’s peak, the highest summit in the San Gabriel mountain range.

The mountain is emblematic of a growing threat: the deadly impact of the climate crisis on one of America’s favourite pastimes, the great outdoors.

Two people have died and a third man, the British actor Julian Sands, is still missing after nearly a week.

The Independent’s Josh Marcus investigates the link between climbing accidents and climate.

 (Getty/iStock/Orange County Sheriff’s Department/cbsnews)
(Getty/iStock/Orange County Sheriff’s Department/cbsnews)

Julian Sands is the latest hiker to go missing. Is climate change to blame?

Extreme winter weather is becoming more common in the Golden State, Josh Marcus reports

‘Star Wars Battlefront II' actor Anthony Skordi shares photo of friend Julian Sands

Wednesday 25 January 2023 22:30 , Inga Parkel

Past clips of Julian Sands reshared by fans

Wednesday 25 January 2023 23:30 , Inga Parkel

As the search for the British actor continues, many fans have shared some of their favourites Sands’ scenes from his former projects. Enjoy!

Search for Julian Sands continues by air only, sheriff’s office says

Wednesday 25 January 2023 23:34 , Bevan Hurley

In an update on Wednesday, the San Bernardino Sheriff’s Office said the search for Julian Sands would continue by air only.

The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department released an update on Wednesday evening US time to say the search would continue by air only as the search for Sands neared its second week.

The California Highway Patrol’s Valley Division Air Ops has been brought in to assist the search using a device that can detect reflective material and in some cases credit cards.

The sheriff’s office said it was hopeful that it can “pinpoint an area where we can focus our search efforts”.

Search for Julian Sands continues by air only

Thursday 26 January 2023 00:00 , Bevan Hurley

Helicopters continue to search the San Gabriel Mountains in California for missing actor Julian Sands, but fresh ground searches in higher areas are not possible due to the poor conditions, authorities say.

The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department released an update on Wednesday evening US time to say the search would continue by air only as the search for Sands neared its second week.

The California Highway Patrol’s Valley Division Air Ops has been brought in to assist the search using a device that can detect reflective material and in some cases, credit cards, the sheriff’s office said.

Search for Julian Sands continues by air only, sheriff’s office says

Timeline of Julian Sands’ disappearance

Thursday 26 January 2023 00:30 , Inga Parkel

Here’s a quick updated refresher:

Operations to find actor Julian Sands step up as federal agencies join search (Ian West/PA) (PA Archive)
Operations to find actor Julian Sands step up as federal agencies join search (Ian West/PA) (PA Archive)

A timeline of missing actor Julian Sands’ disappearance

Everything to know as a search and rescue team continues hunt to find British actor

How long will the search continue?

Thursday 26 January 2023 01:30 , Tom Murray

US authorities previously said there is “no hard deadline” for calling off the search for Julian Sands.

Today (25 January) marks the 12th day since Sands’ went missing.

San Bernardino County Sheriff’s department said that the incident was still being classified as a search and rescue operation.

“We will schedule another ground search when the weather improves, and it is safe for our ground crews,” a spokesperson from the department said.

Hiker who went missing in the same mountain where Sands is missing has been found

Thursday 26 January 2023 02:30 , Tom Murray

A 75-year-old man who went missing at around 6 am on Sunday, was found safe Tuesday afternoon.

Jin Chung of North Hollywood suffered non-life-threatening injuries and was able to walk off Mt Baldy with rescuers, ABC7 reported.

Who is Julian Sands?

Thursday 26 January 2023 03:30 , Tom Murray

Credit card-detecting technology used in search for Sands

Thursday 26 January 2023 04:30 , Tom Murray

In an update shared Wednesday (25 January), authorities said they were using a Recco device to help trace Sands.

“Recco technology can detect Recco reflective material, electronics, and in some cases, credit cards,” they said.

Read more:

Search for Julian Sands continues by air only, sheriff’s office says

Frances Fisher latest to send prayers

Thursday 26 January 2023 05:30 , Tom Murray

Titanic star Fisher shared her prayers in a reply to the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s tweet update on Wednesday (25 January).

“Please pray for Julian,” the actor wrote in response to the news that the search for Sands would continue by air only.

Thursday 26 January 2023 08:25 , Louis Chilton

People have continued to share messages of hope and concern on social media, as we approach the two-week mark since Sands was reported missing.

“My heart is very heavy and I want to still hope that he will be found,” writes @LianeMoonRaven, who shared their fond memory of meeting the actor...

Thursday 26 January 2023 10:02 , Louis Chilton

ICYMI: Earlier this week, Sands’ family shared a public statement, amid the continuing search.

“Our heartfelt thanks to the compassionate members of the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department who are coordinating the search for our beloved Julian, not least the heroic search teams listed below who are braving difficult conditions on the ground and in the air to bring Julian home,” it read.

“We are deeply touched by the outpouring of love and support.”

Julian Sands’ family thanks authorities for ‘heroic’ efforts as search continues

Thursday 26 January 2023 11:41 , Louis Chilton

Another message of concern shared on social media.

The “other guy” mentioned refers to 75-year-old hiker Jin Chung, who was found safe on Tuesday having gone missing in the mountains days before.

Thursday 26 January 2023 13:09 , Louis Chilton

Heartbreaking words from Sands’ brother earlier this week, fearing the worst.

“I know in my heart that he has gone.”

Julian Sands’ brother ‘fears actor will never be found’

Thursday 26 January 2023 14:07 , Louis Chilton

Some background on Sands’ life and career here.

A prolific actor of unusual range, Sands is best known for his roles in films such as A Room with a View, and Arachnophobia.

Read more:

Julian Sands, the prolific star of Arachnophobia, missing in California

Thursday 26 January 2023 15:01 , Louis Chilton

One of the most recent updates on the story:

Authorities are deploying technology used to detect electronic devices and credit cards in their search for Sands.

San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department said it was “hopeful” that they would be able to more accurately pinpoint an area on which to focus efforts.

Read more...

New technology used in search for Julian Sands as police give update

Thursday 26 January 2023 16:30 , Louis Chilton

A moving personal story about Sands, shared on social media a few days ago.

“A beautiful soul.”

Where was Julian Sands when he went missing?

Thursday 26 January 2023 17:34 , Inga Parkel

Sands, who went missing on 13 January, and hasn’t been heard from since, was hiking Mount Baldy, the 10,000ft peak in the San Gabriel Mountains of Southern California.

The mountain range is around 52 miles inland of North Hollywood, the Los Angeles neighbourhood where the British actor resides.

While much of the state has experienced year-long periods of intense drought, this winter California experienced extreme snow and rain storms, leaving at least 19 people dead across the state.

How long will the search continue?

Thursday 26 January 2023 19:00 , Inga Parkel

With the most recent update from the San Bernardino Sheriff’s Department announcing search efforts will continue only by air, the question remains: how long will the search continue?

In a new Twitter post, retweeted by the authorities, a local journalist reported that rescue teams have completed over “230 missions in the last several years” in the Mount Baldy mountain range.

All of which, have cost the county more than $1m (£806,000).

At the moment, however, the authorities have not given a deadline and maintain that efforts will “continue”.

What is Julian Sands best known for?

Thursday 26 January 2023 20:08 , Inga Parkel

Sands has had a decades-long acting career, appearing in more than 100 movies and TV shows. Some of his best-known works include The Killing Fields, A Room with a View, Warlock, Arachnophobia, Boxing Helena and Leaving Las Vegas. Most of which are projects from the earlier years of his career.

The British actor’s most recent project includes his role in director Francesco Cinquemani’s film The Ghosts of Monday.

Sands led the 2022 thriller as Bruce, who’s part of a group of US filmmakers that travel to Cyprus to film a documentary about a once popular hotel where more than 100 people mysteriously died.

How long has British actor Julian Sands been missing?

Thursday 26 January 2023 21:00 , Inga Parkel

Sands’ wife, Evgenia Citkowitz, first reported him missing on Friday 13 January. Search and rescue teams were deployed soon after, beginning the search a mile southwest of Mount Balty after cellular pings suggested he was on a known trail.

In the latest update from San Bernardino Sheriff’s Department, on Wednesday (25 January), 12 days since Sands went missing, the authorities shared that they are continuing search efforts, only by air. They cited that ground searches in higher areas were no longer possible due to poor local weather conditions.

Who is Julian Sands?

Thursday 26 January 2023 23:00 , Inga Parkel

00:00 , Inga Parkel

Sands’ brother shared heartbreaking words earlier this week, saying that he fears the worst.

“I know in my heart that he has gone.”

Julian Sands (Mike Lawn/Shutterstock)
Julian Sands (Mike Lawn/Shutterstock)

Julian Sands’ brother ‘fears actor will never be found’

“Julian liked to say ‘I have never had a holiday but I do rest occasionally’ – well he’s resting now in a place he would truly approve of,” his brother Nick says

Credit card-detecting technology used in search for Sands

01:00 , Inga Parkel

In an update shared Wednesday (25 January), authorities said they were using a Recco device to help trace Sands.

“Recco technology can detect Recco reflective material, electronics, and in some cases, credit cards,” they said.

Read more:

Julian Sands was reported missing while hiking in southern California ((Dan Tuffs/Alamy Stock Photo))
Julian Sands was reported missing while hiking in southern California ((Dan Tuffs/Alamy Stock Photo))

Search for Julian Sands continues by air only, sheriff’s office says

Fresh ground searches in the San Gabriel Mountains for British actor are still not possible due to poor conditions, authorities said

Sands still missing as second missing hiker located

02:00 , Inga Parkel

On Sunday (22 January), over a week after Sands was reported missing, authorities were requested to start a search for a second missing hiker, Jin Chung.

A few days later on Tuesday (24 January), the San Bernardino Sheriff’s Department successfully located Chung. The 75-year-old Los Angeles resident “was transported to a local hospital for treatment”.

He had “suffered some weather-related injuries and a leg injury but was able to walk out with the assistance of the crew members”.

High winds again ground helicopters in the search for actor Julian Sands

02:00 , Josh Marcus

High winds have again grounded helicopters in the search for British actor Julian Sands.

Two weeks have now passed since Sands was first reported missing in the San Gabriel mountains in California on January 13, with numerous searches on foot and from the air having taken place.

Aerial efforts resumed briefly on Wednesday, with authorities using new technology that can detect electronic devices and credit cards.

San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department said it was “hopeful” that the technology would be able to more accurately pinpoint an area on which to focus efforts.

Mike Bedigan has more details on the search in his full report.

High winds again ground helicopters in the search for actor Julian Sands

How the climate crisis is causing a string of missing hikers in California

05:00 , Josh Marcus

On a clear day, the peak of southern California’s 10,000ft Mount Baldy looms over the Los Angeles skyline.

The mountain is emblematic of a growing threat: the deadly impact of the climate crisis on one of America’s favourite pastimes, the great outdoors.

This month, as climate-amped superstorms battered California, first responders have carried out 14 rescue missions on Mount Baldy’s peak, the highest summit in the San Gabriel mountain range.

More details in our in-depth look at the situation on Mount Baldy and beyond.

Julian Sands is the latest hiker to go missing. Is climate change to blame?

‘This feels like a nightmare,’ friend says of search for Julian Sands

06:30 , Josh Marcus

The search for British actor Julian Sands feels like a “nightmare” to those who love him, according to Dr Daisy Dunn, a classicist and friend of the Sands family.

“Julian is a very dear friend and this feels like a nightmare,” she wrote on Twitter on Thursday. “All my thoughts are with his family. I pray that the new search leads to good news and his safe return.”

ICMYI: Julian Sands went missing while ‘doing what he loved best'

07:59 , Josh Marcus

The family of missing movie star Julian Sands say he was doing what he loved best when he vanished – as they released the last known images of him mountaineering.

With the hunt for the British actor in the California mountains continuing, poignant photographs that he sent to his grandson show him looking relaxed and happy while climbing well above the clouds.

Mr Sands, who starred in more than 150 films and television series including A Room with a View, sent the pictures of himself climbing the Weisshorn mountain in the Swiss Alps to his grandson last September.

Jane Dalton has the story.

‘What he loved best’: Last pictures actor Julian Sands sent from snow-clad mountain

Brother of Julian Sands says he has ‘come to terms’ with disappearance

10:30 , Josh Marcus

Actor Julian Sands has been missing for nearly two weeks, leading some in his family to begin the grieving process.

“I have come to terms with the fact he’s gone and for me that’s how I’ve dealt with it,” Nick Sands, his brother, told the BBC.

“We are all still hoping I guess, but I know he’s gone in my mind and because of that I’ve already said my goodbyes,” he added.