Hikers in southern California found human remains over the weekend in the area where British star Julian Sands went missing in January.
The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department released a statement on Saturday saying, “Civilian hikers contacted the Fontana Sheriff’s Station after they discovered human remains in the Mt. Baldy wilderness.”
“The decedent was transported to the Coroner’s Office, pending positive identification,” it added. “Identification should be completed next week at which time we will update this press release.”
The news comes after Sands’ family released a statement on Friday thanking the sheriff’s office for resuming the search after “extreme alpine conditions” had hampered efforts over the last few months.
“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,” the statement from his family read.
Last week, the sheriff’s department said it “continued ongoing search efforts in the Mount Baldy wilderness” for the missing hiker.
“Unfortunately, Mr. Sands was not located,” it added. “Saturday’s search included over 80 Search and Rescue volunteers, deputies, and staff. Their efforts were supported by two helicopters and drone crews. Aviation resources inserted search teams into remote areas across Mount Baldy and conducted aerial search and assessments efforts. Additionally, drone crews searched areas inaccessible to ground crews.”
“Despite the recent warmer weather, portions of the mountain remain inaccessible due to extreme alpine conditions,” the release added. “Multiple areas include steep terrain and ravines, which still have 10 plus feet of ice and snow.”
The release concluded that since January, when the “Room With a View” star went missing after going for a hike, the agency had conducted eight ground and air searches for Sands, and efforts have included more than 500 volunteer searcher hours.
The sheriff’s office said Sands’ missing person’s case remains active.
