Hikers discovered human remains in the Mount Baldy wilderness area of California on Saturday, June 24, 2023, according to the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Office. The discovery comes just days after search and rescue teams renewed their efforts to locate missing actor Julian Sands.
The remains were located by civilian hikers around 10 a.m. who promptly contacted the Fontana Sheriff’s Station. The Sheriff's Office has transported the remains to the county coroner for identification. Authorities anticipate identification within the week.
The discovery comes shortly after a renewed search for Sands, involving over 80 search and rescue volunteers, was conducted in the challenging terrain of Mount Baldy. Sands disappeared on January 13, 2023, after embarking on a hike in the area. Winter storms significantly hampered earlier search attempts, burying the mountain under up to ten feet of snow.
The June 17th search resumption faced ongoing difficulties due to persistent extreme alpine conditions, with some areas still covered by deep snowpack. Despite the warmer weather, accessing certain parts of the mountain remains treacherous.
Following the renewed search efforts, Sands' family issued a statement expressing gratitude for the dedication of the search teams and coordinators. They described Sands as a devoted father, husband, and explorer with a passion for nature, the arts, and performance.
