After eight unsuccessful search efforts, Californian hikers have have stumbled upon human remains believed to be those of actor Julian Sands, who disappeared five months ago.
The body was discovered about 10am on Saturday in wilderness near Mount Baldy in the rugged San Gabriel mountains.
The remains were transported to the Coroner’s Office, pending positive identification, the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department said..
It is expected that identification should be completed next week, at which point the department will issue a press release.
Sands, an avid hiker and mountaineer, was reported missing on January 13 after setting out on the peak that rises more than 3000 metres east of Los Angeles.
The region was pounded by severe storms during winter.
On Friday, his family released its first statement since Sands’ disappearance.
“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 said.
Sands, a 65-year-old British-born actor best known for his role in the 1985 film A Room With a View, was married to journalist Evgenia Citkowitz and has three adult children.
He also had starring roles in films such as Warlock and Leaving Las Vegas. On television he found fame with parts in Smallville and 24.
-AAP
