'Hope he's found safe': Fans worried as Julian Sands identified as hiker missing in California mountains
MOUNT BALDY, CALIFORNIA: British actor Julian Sands has been identified as one of two hikers who went missing in San Gabriel Mountains, a dangerous Californian mountain range. The 65-year-old 'Warlock' star was reported missing by his family on Friday, January 13, around 7.30 pm after he vanished while hiking in the mountains.
"On Friday at about 7.30pm, a hiker identified as 65-year-old Julian Sands of North Hollywood, was reported missing in the Baldy Bowl area of Mt. Baldy," a spokesperson for the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department said, according to the Daily Mail. "Search and Rescue crews responded and began a search. Due to trail conditions and the risk of avalanche, the ground crews were pulled off the mountain on Saturday evening. However, we continue to search by helicopter and drones when weather permits. We will schedule another ground search when the weather improves, and it is safe for our ground crews."
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The sheriff's department also said that "severe weather on the mountain has been difficult" and there are only limited air resources. It warned people to think before going hiking amid "extremely dangerous" conditions. The sheriff's department warned, "Over the last four weeks, San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue (SAR) Teams have responded to 14 rescue missions on Mt Baldy and in the surrounding area."
"These rescue missions have been for lost, stranded and/or injured hikers. Unfortunately, during these past 4 weeks, two hikers did not survive after falling and injuring themselves," it continued. "Please know the current conditions on Mt Baldy are adverse and extremely dangerous. Due to the high winds, the snow has turned to ice making hiking extremely dangerous. 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."
Sands is known for his roles in films such as 'The Killing Fields', 'A Room with a View', 'Warlock', 'Arachnophobia', 'Boxing Helena' and 'Leaving Las Vegas'. On television, he appeared in 'Smallville' and 'Banshee'. The actor was born the third of five boys to mother Brenda, who raised the boys alone after her divorce. Sands attended Lord Wandsworth College, Long Sutton, Hampshire.
The actor was married to journalist Sarah Sands from 1984 to 1987, with whom he shares one son. He then married journalist Evgenia Citkowitz in 1990, and the pair has two daughters together.
The Sheriff's Department has urged visitors to follow steps to remain safe. "Following all posted warning signs, looking at weather conditions (both current and forecasted) for the area, making sure you have proper gear, training and are properly prepared for alpine conditions (crampons, ice axe, proper clothing), taking a hiking partner, taking a tracking or GPS device such as a SPOT Device or INREACH Device, making sure all cell phone's are fully charged and to bring a charged extra power pack for it," said. It has asked visitors to keep someone updated about where and when they are going, and what time they will be back.
Social media users prayed for Sands' safe return, with one of them commenting on Facebook, "Oh he was fabulous in Warlock. Hope he is found safe." Another said, "One of the first films he done was a film called "Boxing Helena" weird but great film. I see it when I was about 13 at the time I'm 43 now and enjoyed his films since including "Arachnophobia" I hope they find him alive and well." "Oh no he’s one of my favorite actors loved him in a room with a view and tale of a vampire, also warlock," said one user.
"This is worrying, he was excellent as one of the villains in '24'," one user said. "Been some good movies, I remember Warlock. Doesnt hold today for sure, but when I was a kid was cool. Hope they find him," one user commented. "Oh my god that’s like 20 mins from my house poor man hopefully they find him prayers for him and his family," one said.
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