27 June 2023 , 21:48
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Tuesday brought the tragic news that Julian Sands has been found dead over five months after going missing while hiking in California.
The British actor, 65, had been out in the San Gabriel mountains in southern California, but a huge search was carried out after the star failed to return home.
And after extensive searches, the remains which were found over the weekend near the area he disappeared were confirmed to be the star.
The Bernardino County Sheriff's Department said in a statement: "The identification process for the body located on Mt. Baldy on June 24, 2023, has been completed and was positively identified as 65-year-old Julian Sands of North Hollywood. The manner of death is still under investigation, pending further test results.
"We would like to extend our gratitude to all the volunteers that worked tirelessly to locate Mr. Sands."
Gales, snow and rain to batter country today with 80mph wind gusts
Here, we take a look at the timeline of events which led up to the tragic confirmation.
Julian Sands in the Blacklist (NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via)Friday January 13 - The actor is first reported missing to San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department. While his name isn't immediately released to the public, the statement says the incident occurred in the Baldy Bowl area.
As the operation to try to find him gets under way, a last recorded ping is detected from Sands' phone.
Saturday January 14 - A risk of avalanches and poor weather on local trails means search efforts have to come to a hold. Crew on the ground are removed from the mountain in the evening.
Sunday January 15 - Searches in the air are conducted via drones and helicopters. No sightings are recorded.
Wednesday January 18 - A discovery of a car which is thought to have been Sands' is found and towed away by members of his family.
Thursday January 19 - Continued risk of avalanche once again risk ground searches. The Sheriff's department however refuses to give a timescale on how long the search will continue.
Friday January 20 - Federal and state authorities join the search and use mobile phone forensics to try to help locate the star. Once again the sheriff's department confirm there "no time set" for when ground searches can continue.
Monday January 23 - Ten days after his disappearance, Sands' family releases a statement to thank the "heroic" efforts of both local and out-of-county forces who are helping with the search. The family say they are "deeply touched" by the support they had received in the days since his disappearance.
A second hiker is also confirmed missing which has meant "secondary" sweeps of the area have taken place, but there is again no sign of Sands.
Julian Sands and his wife Evgenia Citkowitz (zz/RE/Westcom/STAR MAX/IPx)
Julian disappeared in January (Getty Images)
Tuesday January 24 - The second hiker is found alive but the are no signs of Sands.
Wednesday January 25 -Authorities undergo searches by air only and use special technology that is able to detect electronic devices and credit cards.
The sheriff's department says it was "hopeful" that the technology will be able to more accurately pinpoint an area on which to focus efforts.
Saturday January 28 - Kevin Ryan, Sands' hiking partner and close friend says he is "remaining hopeful" of the actor's safe return, as searches pass the two-week mark.
Friday February 3 - Three weeks into the search and officials confirm conditions continue to cause issues.
Friday February 10 - Four weeks on from the actor's disappearance and authorities admit it could be the worst possible outcome. While they remain "hopeful" they will find Sands, they say conditions continue to be dangerous for the search.
Monday February 13 - A month on from the missing report and conditions still hinder the search.
Friday March 3 - Tourist resorts in the Mount Baldy area temporarily closed by authorities as there are continued warnings of avalanches.
The sheriff's department is unable to provide any further updates on the whereabouts or condition of Sands.
Monday June 19 - The San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department reports there are still no results after a further ground search in the Mount Baldy area.
Photos from the ground searches for actor Julian Sands (PA)
San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department released the images (PA)
Wednesday June 21 - A statement from the Sands family is released. They say they are keeping the actor "in our hearts with bright memories".
Saturday June 24 - News comes that human remains have found in the Mount Baldy wilderness.
The San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department reports that civilian hikers got in touch on the morning after making the discovery. The remains are sent to the Coroner's Office for identification.
Tuesday June 27
The sheriff's department announces the heartbreaking news that the remains found are those are of Sands.