A fresh search for British actor Julian Sands – who disappeared on a hike in California mountains five months ago – has found no trace of the missing star.
The 65-year-old was first reported missing in the Mount Baldy region of the San Gabriel mountains on 13 January.
Searches were temporarily called off in March due to bad weather and the risk of avalanches.
The Yorkshire-born actor is best-known for his roles in films A Room With A View, Leaving Las Vegas and Warlock, as well as TV appearances on 24, Smallville and Banshee.
Since moving to LA in 2021, Sands has appeared in the Jack Lowden and Peter Capaldi-led drama Benediction, the John Malkovich films The Survivalist and Seneca: On The Creation Of Earthquakes, and several horror films.
The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department said search efforts in the Mount Baldy wilderness continued on Saturday.
“Unfortunately, Mr Sands was not located,” it said.
“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. Multiple areas include steep terrain and ravines, which still have 10-plus feet of ice and snow.”
The statement added: “Since January, the sheriff’s department has conducted eight searches (ground and air) specific to Mr Sands, with volunteer searcher hours exceeding 500 hours.
“Additionally, eight unrelated search and rescue operations have been conducted in the Mount Baldy area.
“Mr Sands’ missing person case remains active and search efforts will continue in a limited capacity.”
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Authorities have previously used a Recco device, which is able to detect electronics and credit cards, in the hope of establishing a more exact area in which to focus search efforts.
A spokesperson for the sheriff’s department previously said its goal was “to bring closure” to Sands’ family.
In January, the actor’s family praised the “heroic search teams”.
