Human remains have been found in the area where went missing, more than five months after his disappearance was first reported.
In January this year, the A Room With A View star, 65, after a hike in California’s San Gabriel Mountains.
Earlier this week, his family released a statement expressing their gratitude for the search teams while adding that they continued to hold him ‘in our hearts’.
The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department has now said that civilian hikers contacts the authorities on Saturday morning after the human remains were found in the Mount Baldy area.
The department shared that the remains have been transported to the coroner’s office for identification.
It is expected that the identification will be completed next week, after which the department will distribute a press release.
In the statement released by Sands’ family this week, his loved ones said: ‘We are deeply grateful to the search teams and coordinators who have worked tirelessly to find Julian.
‘We continue to hold Julian in our hearts with bright memories of him as a wonderful father, husband, explorer, lover of the natural world and the arts, and as an original and collaborative performer.’
On June 17, the sheriff’s department , despite the actor not being found in recent searches.
A statement read: ‘On June 17, the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department continued ongoing search efforts in the Mount Baldy wilderness for missing hiker Julian Sands. Unfortunately, Mr Sands was not located.
‘Saturday’s search included over 80 search and rescue volunteers, deputies, and staff. Their efforts were supported by two helicopters, and drone crews.
‘Aviation resources inserted search teams into remote areas across Mount Baldy and conducted aerial search and assessments efforts. Additionally, drone crews searched areas inaccessible to ground crews.’
The statement added: ‘Despite the recent warmer weather, portions of the mountain remain inaccessible due to extreme alpine conditions. Multiple areas include steep terrain and ravines, which still have 10-plus feet of ice and snow.
‘Since January, the Sheriff’s Department has conducted eight searches (ground and air) specific to Mr Sands, with volunteer searcher hours exceeding 500 hours.’
The department outlined that eighty unrelated search and rescue operations had been conducted in the Mount Balding area, adding: ‘Mr Sands’ missing person case remains active and search efforts will continue in a limited capacity.’
Searches for Sands were previously hindered by poor conditions in the area and in March, they were put on hold due to the risk of avalanches.
A spokesperson for the sheriff’s department previously said their goal was ‘to bring closure’ to Sands’ family.
Sands is best known for roles in Ocean’s 13, A Room With a View, and The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo.
