Actor Julian Sands missing as officials warn of ‘dangerous’ conditions on CA mountain
Officials warned of “extremely dangerous” conditions on the icy California mountain where British actor Julian Sands went missing.
Sands, 65, who starred in several Oscar-nominated films including “A Room With a View,” was reported missing in the Baldy Bowl area of Mt. Baldy in San Bernardino County on Friday, Jan. 13, Mara Rodriguez, a spokesperson for the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s office, told McClatchy News in an email.
Mt. Baldy is the highest peak in the San Gabriel Mountains, about 45 miles northeast of Los Angeles, according to Condé Nast Traveler.
Crews responded Friday and began searching for Sands, Rodriguez said.
“Due to trail conditions and the risk of avalanche, the ground crews were pulled off the mountain on Saturday evening,” Rodriguez said.
The sheriff’s office is still searching “by helicopter and drones when weather permits,” Rodriguez said. A ground search will be planned “when the weather improves,” and it is safe for ground crews.
“It is our recommendation that people stay away from that area,” Rodriguez said. “It is extremely dangerous and even experienced hikers are getting in trouble.”
The sheriff’s office said it has responded to 14 rescue missions in the past four weeks, wherein two hikers died after falling, according to a Jan. 18 news release from the sheriff’s office.
“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,” the sheriff’s office said.
The sheriff’s office said visitors should follow “all posted warning signs,” and look at the weather for the area.
Visitors should also ensure they have “proper gear, training and are properly prepared for alpine conditions,” according to the sheriff’s office.
The sheriff’s office also recommended hiking with a partner, bringing a GPS device and fully charged phone along with a “charged extra power pack.” Visitors should let someone know their whereabouts and when to expect their return.
“Most importantly - If you don’t know, please don’t go,” the sheriff’s office said.
Sands starred in major roles in films throughout the 1980s and 1990s, including “Warlock,” “Arachnophobia” and “Naked Lunch,” according to the actor’s IMDB page.
This story was originally published January 19, 2023 at 10:33 AM with the headline "Actor Julian Sands missing as officials warn of ‘dangerous’ conditions on CA mountain."
