Actor Julian Sands Found Dead At 65 After Going Missing Five Months Ago While On Hike

Julian Sands had been officially found dead at 65 months after he went missing while on a hike more than five months ago. 

On Tuesday, it was confirmed that remains found on a hiking trail belong to Sands. 

The San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department released a statement saying, “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 department added that they, “would like to extend our gratitude to all the volunteers that worked tirelessly to locate Mr. Sands.”

Sands was known to enjoy hiking and mountaineering and went missing during one of his trips. His family reported him missing on January 13 which led to a search and rescue to mission, including 80 personnel and volunteers. Ground teams were utilized, but were forced to retreat due to a risk of an avalanche from severe weather conditions. Authorities continued the search via air, employing drones and helicopters. 

On Saturday, hikers discovered human remains nearby where Sands was last seen on Mount Baldy. They contacted authorities, who immediately reported to the scene. The remains were brought to the Coroner’s Office, which later confirmed the positive ID. The cause of death has not yet been revealed as testing is currently underway. 

Sands had publicly spoken in the past about his love for the outdoors and hiking. 

“Climbing mountains, a lot of time people who don’t climb mountains assume is about this great heroic sprint for the summit,” he told Thrive Global in an interview. “And somehow this great ego-driven ambition. But actually it’s the reverse. It’s about supplication and sacrifice and humility when you go to these mountains.”

IN MEMORIAM 2022: 100 GREAT CELEBRITIES WHO DIED IN 2022

Sands was born on January 4 in 1985 in Otley, England. His acting career began in 1982 when he starred in one episode of Play for Today. Later he would star in his first big roles in the series A Married Man and the show The Sun Also Rises. 

After his success in these roles, his rise to fame began. He starred in various TV series, movies and plays. He was best known for acting in the films and shows A Room With a View, The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo and Leaving Las Vegas. 

He leaves behind his wife, Evgenia Citkowitz, and three children, Henry Sands, Imogen Morley Sands and Natalya Morley Sands.