Troubling news as it’s been confirmed that Julian Sands, best known for The Killing Fields, A Room with a View, Warlock, Leaving Las Vegas, and much more, has gone missing hiking up Mount Baldy in Southern California.
Julian Sands’ family reported him missing on Friday, but his identity wasn’t confirmed until today. “Around 7:30pm on Friday, Jan 13, a hiker was reported missing in the Baldy Bowl area,” San Bernardino County Sheriff Department Corporal Nathan Campos told People. “A search crew was sent out, but because of weather conditions, they were pulled on Saturday. Helicopters and drones will be out there to continue to search, weather permitting.” In addition to Julian Sands, the department is also searching for another missing man in the nearby area of Crystal Lake in the San Gabriel Mountains. Bob Gregory, of Hawthorne, was reported missing by family on Monday afternoon.
In a Facebook post, the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department has issued a warning to hikers in the area, saying that they’ve responded to 14 rescue missions on Mount Baldy in the last four weeks. “Over the last four weeks, San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue (SAR) Teams have responded to 14 rescue missions on Mt Baldy and in the surrounding area,” reads the press release. “These rescue missions have been for lost, stranded and/or injured hikers. Unfortunately, during these past 4 weeks, two hikers did not survive after falling and injuring themselves.” The Sheriff’s Department added that the conditions on the mountain are “adverse and extremely dangerous,” with the high winds turning the snow into sheer ice. “Sheriff’s Search and Rescue efforts are often hampered by poor weather along with dangerous avalanche conditions,” the Sheriff’s Department said. “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.“
Julian Sands starred in 1989s Warlock as a warlock who flees from the 17th century to the modern day intending to destroy the world, but he’s got a witch-hunter in hot pursuit. Sands reprised the role for the sequel, Warlock: The Armageddon. We can only hope that Julian Sands will be found safe and reunited with his family. We’ll keep you updated.