Officially Deceased: Remains of British Actor Julian Sands Identified Six Months After Disappearance

British actor Julian Sands, who went missing in January during a hiking trip in the California mountains, has been confirmed dead. The official identification of the remains, discovered in June, was announced by the BBC.

The San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department stated that the remains were found by hikers on June 24th and have been identified as those of the missing actor.

"The circumstances of the death are currently under investigation, and further examination results are awaited," the statement read.

Julian Sands, a 65-year-old British actor, disappeared on January 13th during a storm in the Baldy Bowl area of the San Gabriel Mountains. The search efforts at the time were hindered by storms, icy conditions, and the threat of avalanches. Search teams returned to the area on Saturday after the discovery by the tourists.

"Civilian hikers contacted the Fontana Sheriff's Station after they found human remains in the desert of the Baldy Mountain," the Sheriff's Department stated at the time.

No further details were provided in the statement.

Last week, Sands' family released a statement expressing gratitude to the "search groups and coordinators who tirelessly worked to find Julian."

"We continue to hold Julian in our hearts with fond memories of him as a wonderful father, husband, explorer, nature lover, and artist, as well as an original performer with whom we collaborated," the statement read.

In late January, Julian's brother, Nick Sands, who lives in North Yorkshire, said that he had already bid farewell to his brother.

"I've made my peace with him going, and that's how I've dealt with it," Nick said.

Sands was an avid adventurer. His hiking companion and partner, Kevin Ryan, previously described it as his true passion and stated that he was the most accomplished hiker he knew.

The actor was best known for his roles in the 1985 romantic drama "A Room with a View," which earned him five BAFTA Awards, a Golden Globe, and three Oscars, as well as in films such as "Warlock," "Leaving Las Vegas," "Ocean's Thirteen," "Death at a Funeral," "Impromptu," "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo," and in TV series including "24," "Smallville," "Dexter," "Gotham," among others.

Overall, Julian Sands appeared in over 150 films.