Human remains discovered near hiking area where actor Julian Sands disappeared months ago

Authorities said Saturday that they are working to identify human remains found in the hiking area of Mt. Baldy where actor Julian Sands went missing more than five months ago.

The 65-year-old actor vanished while hiking in the San Gabriels Mountains last January and was reported missing after he didn’t return from his trip.

Since then, authorities conducted eight ground and air search missions before a temporary suspension due to inaccessibility and “extreme alpine conditions.”

Search efforts resumed on June 17 with hikers reporting the discovery of the human remains on Saturday.

The missing actor’s family thanked officials and volunteers for continuing their efforts to find Sands and bring them some closure.

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

“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 collaborative performer.”