Julian Sands, the Leeds-born actor famed for his roles in A Room With a View and Arachnophobia, has been reported missing while hiking in California.
The star, originally from Otley, disappeared on Friday 13 January, with a desperate search-and-rescue effort launched amid ‘extremely dangerous’ conditions.
The 65-year-old actor was reported missing by his wife after he failed to return home from a hike on Mount Baldy, in the San Gabriel mountains in southern California.
The area has been battered by freezing temperatures, snow, and ‘extreme Alpine conditions’, leading to local authorities issuing safety warnings for hikers.
Search crews had be pulled off the mountain on Saturday evening due to the risk of avalanches, but are still continuing to look for Sands.
The Independent has reported that the actor’s son Henry has now joined in with the hunt for his father.
San Bernardino County Sheriff’s department said in a statement: “We continue to search by helicopter and drones when the weather permits.”
In a public advisory notice issued this week, the department added details of 14 other rescue missions on Mount Baldy.
Read more: Northern is hiring hundreds of new train conductors with ‘no previous experience’ needed
They said: “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.”
Authorities are also understood to be searching for another missing hiker in the same area that Julian Sands is believed to be.
Featured image: San Bernardino County Sheriff’s department
