The cause of British actor Julian Sands’ hiking death has been determined, one month after he was pronounced dead.
Sands’ remains were found on a Southern California mountain on June 24, after he had been missing for five months since setting out on a hike. The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department has now concluded that the manner of his death is “undetermined,” according to their latest update.
Civilian hikers discovered Sands’ remains in the Mt. Baldy wilderness, prompting closure to the case. He was a seasoned hiker and a resident of Los Angeles. The 65-year-old actor had been reported missing on January 13 while attempting to hike the peak, which stands over 10,000 feet (3,048 meters) above sea level.
Despite numerous search efforts aided by drones and helicopters, the wintry conditions during the spring had hindered any findings until the hikers stumbled upon his remains. The chances of Sands being found alive had significantly dwindled, but the sheriff’s department, who conducted an official search the day before he was found, remained actively involved in the case.
The sheriff’s office expressed their gratitude to all the volunteers who dedicated themselves to locating Sands in their statement at the time of the discovery.
Days before his remains were found, Sands’ family released a statement, honoring him as a beloved father, husband, explorer, lover of nature and the arts, and a collaborative performer.
Julian Sands had an illustrious career in film and television, with over 150 credits accumulated in his 40-year acting journey. He starred alongside Helena Bonham Carter in the acclaimed 1985 British romance “A Room With a View,” directed by James Ivory. The film received numerous accolades, including the British Academy of Film and Television Arts award for best film and eight Oscar nominations, of which three were won.
