The family of Julian Sands, the British actor who went missing 11 days ago, issued a brief statement to thank Southern California law enforcement officials for their continued efforts.
“Our heartfelt thanks to the compassionate members of the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department who are coordinating the search for our beloved Julian, not least the heroic search teams listed below who are braving difficult conditions on the ground and in the air to bring Julian home,” Sands’ family wrote.
“We are deeply touched by the outpouring of love and support,” they added.
The Sheriff’s department replied: “We are reminded of the sheer determination & selflessness of all of the people who have aided in this search. We will continue to utilize the resources available to us.”
Sands’ wife, writer Evgenia Citkowitz, reported her husband missing on Friday, Jan. 13. A large search operation was launched, but has been severely hindered by the adverse weather conditions that began soon thereafter.
The actor’s car was retrieved on Jan. 18. A day later, his three adult children joined the ground search, including Henry, 37, an experienced hiker himself, but they were forced to cease their efforts due to avalanche risk in the area.
It is not the steepest trail Sands has climbed. Last September, the 65-year-old actor shared pictures of himself and his grandson climbing the Weisshorn mountain in the Swiss Alps—according to Alpine Guides “one of the most difficult 4,000m peaks.”
Through his extensive career, Sands has appeared in more than 150 film and TV projects, portraying a variety of characters. He is best known for his roles in The Killing Fields, A Room with a View, Warlock, and Arachnophobia.