Family issue first public statement after actor Julian Sands remains have been found

The remains have been found in the search for British actor Julian Sands, who went missing around six months ago, the police have announced.

The 65-year-old, a dedicated mountaineer, was reported missing on January 13 when he did not return from a hike in the Mount Baldy area.

Officials immediately issued a search and rescue mission; however, rescuers were forced to withdraw their efforts due to risks of avalanche.

On June 17, more than 80 search and rescue volunteers, deputies and staff headed to the area to continue the search with the help of a drone crew and two helicopters.

Associated Press / Alamy Stock Photo

However, their efforts were unsuccessful.

Now, almost six months on, the actor’s remains have been uncovered, according to the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department.

Following the tragic news, his family issued a statement to the public, expressing that they were ‘deeply grateful’ to the search teams and they would continue to hold the actor ‘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.’

According to The Guardian, his close friend John Malkovich also made a heartfelt tribute.

“I love Jules. He was someone who was very, very clever … It’s a great loss.” He added: “He was such a terrific storyteller … and so, so funny. Since the day we met, I could talk to him about anything, and he could talk to me about anything.”