Human remains found in California wilderness area where actor Julian Sands went missing: police

California hikers discovered human remains Saturday in the wilderness area where actor Julian Sands went missing more than five months ago, police said.

Officials have not identified the victim. 

The remains were transported to the coroner’s office for confirmation, which is expected to be completed next week. 

Sands was reported missing on Jan. 13 when he failed to return from a hiking trip in Mount Baldy, located 45 miles east of Los Angeles.

The search, which consisted of 80 volunteers and officials, resumed on June 17 following a temporary suspension.

Police have conducted eight ground and air searches since Sands’ disappearance on the 10,000-foot mountain.

“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,” San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Office said last week.  

Sands’ family spoke for the first time since his disappearance on Friday, expressing their gratitude for the ongoing search and rescue efforts. 

“We are deeply grateful to the search teams and coordinators who have worked tirelessly to find Julian,” the statement said.

“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.”

Sands is known for starring in films such as “Arachnophobia,” “A Room with a View,” “Warlock” and “Leaving Las Vegas.”