Search Continuing in Southern California For Missing Actor Julian Sands

Actor Julian Sands attends the Great British Film Reception at the British Consul General's Residence, in Los Angeles on Feb. 22, 2013. Robyn Beck/AFP via Getty Images

Actor Julian Sands has been missing for five days after he failed to return from a hiking trip in the Southern California mountains, according to authorities on Jan. 18.

The “A Room With a View” actor was due to return on Jan. 13 from a trail on Mount Baldy, according to San Bernardino County sheriff’s spokeswoman Gloria Huerta.

Search and rescue workers looked for the 65-year-old British actor in the San Gabriel Mountains, roughly 40 miles northeast of downtown Los Angeles, but were forced to cease the operation due to trail conditions and avalanche threats, and have not been allowed to resume since, according to Huerta.

Authorities said they are searching for Sands using helicopters and drones as the weather permits and will resume the ground search when it is safe.

Cars are submerged in floodwater after heavy rain moved through Windsor, Calif., on Jan. 9, 2023. Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

The latest in a series of storms that have caused hazardous mountain conditions blew into Southern California on Jan. 13 and is expected to persist into the weekend. There have been at least two hiker fatalities nearby.

“We strongly urge the community to just stay out of that area [Mount Baldy] because even the most skilled hiker, like Mr. Sands, will find themselves in trouble just because it’s too icy and the weather plays a big factor in whether we can deploy resources to that area,” Huerta told NBC.

Sands has had an extensive acting career.

He acted in James Ivory’s 1985 British romantic comedy “A Room With a View” where he played Helena Bonham Carter’s love interest. He also took on pivotal roles in the films “Warlock,” “Arachnophobia,” “Naked Lunch,” “Boxing Helena,” and “Leaving Las Vegas,” from 1989 to 1995.

Since then, Sands has continuously performed in smaller roles in movies and television shows.

Sheriff Issues Warning

The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department (SBCSD) issued a statement on Jan. 18 warning hikers to “think twice and heed warnings.”

“Winter weather on Mount Baldy makes for dangerous conditions,” the sheriff’s department said to would-be hikers. “Over the last four weeks, San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue (SAR) Teams have responded to 14 rescue missions on Mount Baldy and in the surrounding area.

“These rescue missions have been for lost, stranded, and/or injured hikers. Unfortunately, during these past four weeks, two hikers did not survive after falling and injuring themselves.

“Please know the current conditions on Mount Baldy are adverse and extremely dangerous. Due to the high winds, the snow has turned to ice making hiking extremely dangerous.

“Sheriff’s Search and Rescue efforts are often hampered by poor weather along with dangerous avalanche conditions. The recent storms that brought the snow and ice conditions are not favorable for hikers, even those that feel they have a high level of experience.”

The sheriff’s office also offered tips for hikers to keep them out of potential danger while on the trails. Included in the instruction was an encouragement to pay attention to warning signs, look at weather conditions (both current and forecasted) for the area and, “Make sure you have the proper gear, training and are properly prepared for alpine conditions [crampons, ice axe, proper clothing].”

Hopland Volunteer Fire Department chief Mitch Franklin cuts away a large oak tree that fell on a vehicle, moderately injuring the driver on Old River Road, north of Hopland, Calif., in Mendocino County, on Jan. 14, 2023. Kent Porter/The Press Democrat via AP

The SBCSD also recommended those hitting the trail hike with a partner always bring a tracking or GPS device in addition to ensuring that cell phones have a full charge and a backup power pack.

“Let someone know where and when you are going, and what time you will be back,” the SBCSD recommended.

“Most importantly—if you don’t know, please don’t go!”

Dangerous Weather

Before Sands vanished, a string of atmospheric river-driven storms piled snow on Mount Baldy and nearby peaks. When he was reported missing on Jan. 13, the weather was clear. However, a new storm swept across the region starting on Jan. 14, and by Jan. 17, the adjacent ski resort had received another 10 to 18 inches of snow.

Atmospheric rivers, which have plagued the area over the past few weeks, are made up of long, narrow regions in the atmosphere that transport large amounts of water vapor horizontally. They are typically hundreds of miles long, but significantly more narrow.

These rivers of vapor are traditionally found at the middle and upper levels of the atmosphere and are often associated with the formation of clouds, precipitation, and strong winds.

The term “atmospheric river” was first coined by researchers in the 1990s, but the phenomenon has been known for centuries.

Historically, atmospheric rivers have been responsible for many of the most severe flood and drought events around the world.

They are known to cause heavy rain and snowfall, leading to flash flooding and landslides, but they also can bring much-needed water to regions experiencing drought, as has been the condition in California.

Atmospheric rivers are typically generated by the collision of warm, moist air from tropical regions with cold, dry air from polar regions. They are most common along the west coasts of the continents and in the vicinity of the poles but can occur anywhere in the world.

Nowadays, atmospheric rivers are studied and monitored by meteorologists and atmospheric scientists for the prediction and management of extreme weather events and water resources.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.