There are moments in our lives where we feel powerless. The family of missing actor Julian Sands is certainly experiencing these feelings. It must be so difficult to wait around while professionals search for Julian.
Julian went missing on January 13, 2023, while hiking Mount Baldy in the San Gabriel Mountains in California. His wife, Evgenia Citkowitz, reported him missing to authorities. As the search enters its 11th day, his family is speaking out.
The statement, which was released by the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department, expressed the family’s gratitude. "Our heartfelt thanks to the compassionate members of the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department who are coordinating the search for our beloved Julian," they wrote. "We are deeply touched by the outpouring of love and support."
The San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department also issued an update along with the family’s statement: “As we enter day 11 of the search for Julian Sands on Mt. Baldy, we are reminded of the sheer determination & selflessness of all of the people who have aided in this search. We will continue to utilize the resources available to us.”
On Monday, January 23, 2023, the sheriff’s office confirmed that searchers are utilizing every resource available to them to find Julian. These include helicopters, drones, and infrared devices. There have been no signs of him yet.
Julian is not the only person who went missing on Mount Baldy. Sheriffs were also searching for Jin Chung, a 75-year-old Los Angeles resident, who went missing on Sunday, January 22, near where Julian did. Because of this, authorities searched the same places twice in hopes of finding the missing men.
"Chung was last seen at approximately 6:00 a.m. Chung initially carpooled to Mt. Baldy with two others but separated from them when they arrived, with an understanding they would meet back at the vehicle at 2:00 p.m. The other hikers returned safely but Chung has not been seen or heard from," the sheriff’s office explained.
On Tuesday afternoon, January 24, Jin Chung was found alive and transported to a local hospital.
The sheriff’s office stressed to the public that this is not the ideal time to go hiking because of "adverse and extremely dangerous" conditions, posting about this on its Facebook page. "Due to the high winds, the snow has turned to ice making hiking extremely dangerous. Sheriff's Search and Rescue efforts are often hampered by poor weather along with dangerous avalanche conditions," the post states. "The recent storms that brought the snow and ice conditions are not favorable for hikers, even those that feel they have a high level of experience."
Authorities are also searching for a third man who went missing in the San Gabriel Mountains. On January 13, 2023, Bob Gregory from Hawthorne went missing while hiking on Mount Islip. Authorities certainly have their hands full.
In the last four weeks, authorities have conducted 14 rescue missions on Mount Baldy and surrounding area mountains. The sheriff’s office has issued tips so hikers can remain safe. Some of these include heeding all warning signs, looking at the weather forecasts, and having the correct gear for the conditions.
The sheriff’s office also advises that hikers never hike alone and that they carry GPS tracking devices. Hikers are urged to share their plans with family and friends, especially when they plan to return. The most important advice is: “If you don’t know, please don’t go!”
