Human remains found in a California mountain area are those of British actor Julian Sands, the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department has confirmed.
It is more than five months since the 65-year-old was reported missing in the Mount Baldy region of the San Gabriel mountains.
Hikers found the remains on Saturday morning, with a coroner now positively identifying them as belonging to Mr Sands.
A statement released by the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department on Tuesday said: “The identification process for the body located on Mt Baldy on 24 June, 2023, has been completed and was positively identified as 65-year-old Julian Sands of North Hollywood.
“The manner of death is still under investigation, pending further test results.
“We would like to extend our gratitude to all the volunteers that worked tirelessly to try to locate Mr Sands.”
Mr Sands, a keen hiker and mountaineer, was reported missing on 13 January after he failed to return from a trek in the area.
The actor’s family released a statement via the sheriff’s department, in which they said: “We are deeply grateful to the search teams and co-ordinators who have worked tirelessly to find Julian.
“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 Yorkshire-born actor was best known for his roles in films including A Room With A View, Arachnophobia, Leaving Las Vegas and Warlock, as well as TV appearances in 24, Smallville and Banshee.
