Julian Sands: Who does the British Hollywood actor miss in California?
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US federal and state authorities have joined the search for British actor Julian Sands, who has been missing for eight days.
The search has intensified as officers use cellphone forensics to pinpoint the actor’s whereabouts.
Sands, 65, was reported missing Jan. 13 in the Southern California mountains. He was believed to be somewhere along the popular Baldy Bowl Trail, which climbs 3,900 feet over 4.5 miles to the highest peak in the San Gabriel Mountains.
Police said Friday that Sands, best known for films like A Room With a View and Arachnophobia, appeared to be out two days later.
Data from his cellphone showed that Sands was “heading toward Mount Baldy.” Pings attempted since then have failed, police said, likely because the actor’s battery died.
It comes after The Independent revealed pictures of Sands to his grandson Billy in September, showing the father-of-three climbing a mountain.
The Independent is aware that Sands’ son Henry joined the quest and, with the help of an experienced mountaineer, retraced his father’s route.
Important points
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The climate crisis could be a factor in Sands’ disappearance.
Extreme winter weather is becoming more common in the Golden State, reports Josh Marcus.
Emily Atkinson21. January 2023 07:50
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Mount Baldy is considered one of the most dangerous peaks in the United States
In recent years, several experienced hikers have died due to Mount Baldy’s icy terrain. It is considered one of the most dangerous peaks in the USA.
Tom Murray21. January 2023 07:20
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The image was exclusively made available to The Independent
A reminder that the last known photos from climbing at Sands have been shared exclusively with The Independent. You can see them here:
Tom Murray21. January 2023 06:23
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Sands is described by a friend as “a Byronesque romantic and adventurer”.
In a statement shared exclusively with The Independent, a friend of Sands’ described him as “a Byronesque romantic and adventurer drawn to the extremes of nature.”
“Julian is wild and never constrained by rules or boundaries,” they said.
“He is deeply inspired by the Romantic poets and his performances of their works are captivating and spring from a passionate love of literature.
“He is a friend bound by Homeric qualities of loyalty and living life to the fullest.
“He takes no prisoners and yet is as gentle and generous and sensitive as the poets he so admired.”
Tom Murray21. January 2023 05:27
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Who are the children of Sands?
Sands’ three adult children have joined rescue teams in search of their father. Henry, 37, Sands’ eldest son – with whom he shares his first wife Sarah Sands – is retracing the route his father took with the help of an experienced climber.
The actor’s two daughters, Natalya, 26, and Imogen, 23, who he shares with wife Eugenia Citkowitz, have joined the ground search.
Tom Murray21. January 2023 04:25
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Operations to search for actor Julian Sands intensify as federal agencies join the search
Federal and state authorities across the US have joined the search for Julian Sands, using cell phone forensics to help pinpoint the British actor’s whereabouts.
Both national and state officials are now working with the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Office, a week after the actor was first reported missing in the Southern California mountains.
As of Friday, ground crews were still unable to continue their search efforts due to evidence of avalanches in the area, and authorities said there was “no time set” for when they would begin.
The involvement of federal and state agencies marks a step forward in the search for Sands — which is set to continue by helicopter for now.
Shweta Sharma21. January 2023 03:58
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A look at Sands’ career and life
Read more about the actor himself here:
Tom Murray21. January 2023 03:27
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In case you missed it, Julian Sands’ car was located near the trail by authorities. Watch the video here:
Julian Sands’ car is discovered as the search for the missing actor continues
Tom Murray21. January 2023 02:32
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Sheriffs warn hikers
The Sherif’s Department issued a warning on Facebook that includes a list of precautions for hikers.
“In the past four weeks, the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue (SAR) teams have responded to 14 rescue operations on Mt. Baldy and the surrounding area,” the post reads.
“These rescue missions were for lost, stranded and/or injured hikers. Unfortunately in the last 4 weeks two hikers have not survived after falling and injuring themselves.
“Please note that the current conditions on Mt Baldy are adverse and extremely dangerous. Due to the strong winds, the snow has turned to ice, making hiking extremely dangerous. The sheriff’s search and rescue efforts are often hampered by inclement weather and dangerous avalanche conditions. Recent storms that have brought snow and ice conditions are not favorable for hikers, even those who think they have a high level of experience.”
Tom Murray21. January 2023 01:27
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Sands’ love of mountaineering has brought him close to death before
Julian Sands mountaineering in photos exclusively provided to The Independent by his family
(included)
In a 2020 interview with The Guardian, Sands opened up about his love for mountaineering.
When asked where he was happiest, Sands replied, “Near a mountaintop on a gloriously cold morning.”
However, the actor also revealed his encounter with death while climbing in the Andes.
When asked when he was closest to death, Sands replied, “In the early 1990s, in the Andes, he and three others were caught in a terrible storm at over 20,000 feet. We were all very bad. Some people near us have died; We were lucky.”
Tom Murray21. January 2023 00:25