Search for missing actor Julian Sands continues by air, California sheriff says

A search for missing British actor Julian Sands in treacherous conditions on Mount Baldy will continue by air only, a California sheriff’s department reported.

Sands, 65, who starred in several Oscar-nominated films, including “A Room With a View,” was reported missing Jan. 13, McClatchy News reported.

After extensive ground and air searches, efforts to find Sands will continue by air only, the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department reported on Twitter.

A California Highway Patrol helicopter based in Auburn, equipped with a special device that can detect electronics and credit cards, will be utilized, the post said. Rescuers hope the device will help pinpoint an area for additional searches.

“Please pray for Julian,” actress Frances Fisher commented on the Twitter post.

On Monday, Jan. 23, the actor’s family issued a statement thanking searchers for their “heroic” efforts. But his brother said in an interview that he’s losing hope.

“I know in my heart that he has gone,” his brother, Nick Sands, told the Craven Herald & Pioneer. “However sibling rivalry being what it is, it would be just like him to walk out of there and prove me wrong.”

Sands, a resident of North Hollywood and a frequent visitor to Mount Baldy, also had major roles in 1989′s “Warlock,” 1990′s “Arachnophobia,” 1991′s “Naked Lunch,” 1993′s “Boxing Helena,” and 1995′s “Leaving Las Vegas.”

Conditions on Mount Baldy, the highest peak in the San Gabriel Mountains about 45 miles northeast of Los Angeles, are so dangerous that sheriff’s officials suggest even experienced hikers avoid the area, McClatchy News reported.

Robert Gregory, 61, of Hawthorne, also remains missing in the San Gabriel Mountains, sheriff’s officials said. He was last seen Jan. 16.

On Saturday, Jan. 28, a sheriff’s helicopter rescued Abdollah Katbab, 71, who slipped and fell 50 feet while hiking on Mount Baldy, the sheriff’s office reported in a news release.

Unable to return to the trail, Katbab activated his emergency beacon and a sheriff’s helicopter hoisted him to safety.

On Tuesday, Jan. 24, searchers rescued 75-year-old Jin Chung of Los Angeles, who had become lost on Mount Baldy, McClatchy News reported.

Chung vanished after carpooling to Mount Baldy with two others Sunday, Jan. 22. He split up with the others and did not return for a planned meet-up at 2 p.m.

He was later found with a leg injury and some weather-related ailments but was able to hike out with rescuers, sheriff’s officials said.

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