Authorities in southern California have said they are still “hopeful” of finding Julian Sands, but that the outcome of searches for the British actor “may not be what we would like”.
San Bernardino county sheriff’s department said conditions in the area remained dangerous, but that ground searches were planned for the future.
Sands has been missing for four weeks. He was reported missing in the Mount Baldy region of the San Gabriel mountains on 13 January.
“Regarding the search for Julian Sands, we remain hopeful, but know the outcome may not be what we would like,” a spokesperson for the sheriff’s department said.
“Conditions on Mt Baldy remain a danger and our aviation division still patrols the area when they are available. We also plan to search the area by ground in the future.”
The spokesperson added that Sands’ family were grateful for the support they had received since his disappearance, but had no further statement for the public.
Numerous searches for the actor have been undertaken on foot and by air by both local and state-level agencies, and efforts remain classified as “search and rescue” rather than a recovery mission.
Authorities have previously used a Recco device, which is able to detect electronics and credit cards, in the hopes of establishing a more exact area in which to focus search efforts.
Two weeks ago, Sands’ hiking partner and friend Kevin Ryan said it was obvious “something has gone wrong” but that the actor’s advanced experience and skill would “hopefully” ensure his safe return.
