Day 12: Actor Julian Sands still missing on ice-covered Mt. Baldy, second missing hiker found
(Updated 01/25/2023) As of this writing, actor Julian Sands is still missing as the continuing seach for him stretches toward the two-week mark. According to Variety, the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department is closing in on the second full week of the search for the missing hiker. “Numerous ground and air search efforts have taken place. As of this time, Mr. Sands has not been found and no evidence of his current location has been discovered,” the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department said.
“The search will continue, weather and ground conditions permitting.”
But on a more positive note, recall that Ace News Today originally reported that another hiker had also been reported missing in the same general Mount Baldy area as Sands. We are happy to report that the other hiker, a 75-year-old man identified as Jin Chung, has been found and is reported to be alive and well, according to Fox News.
Chung was seen being loaded into an ambulance on the afternoon of January 24. He suffered a leg injury and weather-related injuries but could walk with assistance. He was transported to a hospital for treatment.
Ace News Today’s original article from January 19 regarding the missing hikers appears below.
Actor Julian Sands has been missing for five days on ice-covered Mount Baldy
British actor Julian Sands has been reported missing in Southern California’s Mount Baldy area. One of two missing hikers, Sands’ family reported him missing on Friday night. Making matters worse, severe weather conditions in that area are treacherous and have halted search efforts, according to ABC News.
The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department (SBCSD) announced that Sands’ snow-covered car has been found in that area. “His wife did report him missing,” said Gloria Huerta with SBCSD. “From what I understand, he left sometime that day for a hike and when he did not return, his family reported him missing.”
Upon receiving word from his family that Sands was missing, search crews immediately began looking for the actor. But five days ago, on January 14, the search halted due to the extremely bad weather in the area. On January 18, the Sheriff’s Office said they’d be resuming their search as soon as weather conditions improve.
Over the past several weeks, California has been hard-hit by a series of fatal storms – driven by atmospheric rivers – which have brought heavy rain and snow, causing mudslides, flooding and millions of dollars in damage statewide. The storms prompted President Biden to issue a disaster declaration over the weekend. ~ CBS News
Yesterday, the Sheriff’s Office issued a warning to the public to “stay away” from the dangerous Mount Baldy area.
Winter Weather on Mt Baldy Makes for Dangerous Conditions; Hikers Urged to Think Twice and Heed Warnings— 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. 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.
Please know the current conditions on Mt 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 San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department is asking everyone to follow these simple tips to keep yourself and others safe:
• Heed all posted warning signs
• Look at weather conditions (both current and forecasted) for the area
• Make sure you have the proper gear, training and are properly prepared for alpine conditions (Crampons, ice axe, proper clothing)
• Hike with a partner
• Bring a tracking or GPS device such as a SPOT Device or INREACH Device
• Make sure your cell phone has a full charge and bring a charged extra power pack for it
• Let someone know where and when you are going, and what time you will be back
• Most importantly- If you don’t know, please don’t go!
Sands has been a highly visible actor over the years and has starred in several Oscar-nominated films including “A Room With a View.” He also appeared in 1989′s “Warlock,” 1990′s “Arachnophobia,” 1991′s “Naked Lunch,” 1993′s “Boxing Helena,” and 1995′s “Leaving Las Vegas.” Most recently, he is credited with a starring role in 2022’s horror thriller “The Ghosts of Monday.“
Julian Sands Biography
For more on the missing actor, see the video accompanying this article.
Posted by Richard Webster, Ace News Today / Follow Richard on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram
