South Bay Man and Actor Julian Sands Missing On Mount Baldy

LOS ANGELES, CA — British actor Julian Sands is one of two men who disappeared on Mount Baldy over the weekend as a powerful storm dropped several inches of snow on the mountain and creating treacherous conditions and hampering search efforts.

A series of punishing s storms have led to more than a dozen rescue missions in the Mount Baldy area, and two hikers from Los Angeles County remain lost. Sands disappeared on Friday and Bob Gregory, of Hawthorne, hasn't been seen since he went for a hike in the mountains on Monday.

Authorities confirmed Wednesday that a search-by-air for both missing men was continuing, but crews were waiting for dangerous, wintry conditions to improve before another ground search is conducted.

Sands, a 65-year-old North Hollywood resident was reported missing by family at about 7:30 p.m. Friday after he did not return from hiking in the Baldy Bowl area. Sands, who is known for his work in films and shows such as "The Killing Fields," "A Room with a View," "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo," and "Leaving Las Vegas," "24," and "Smallville," is married with three children.

"His wife did report him missing," Gloria Huerta Public Information Officer for the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department told ABc7. "From what I understand, he left sometime that day for a hike and when he did not return, his family reported him missing.

"The conditions are too dangerous. In fact, even some of the more experienced hikers are getting themselves into trouble up there so we recommend that people to stay away from that area."

Search and rescue personnel responded and began a search but, due to trail conditions and the risk of avalanche, ground crews were pulled off the mountain Saturday evening, said San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department spokesperson Mara Rodriguez.

"However, we continue to search by helicopter and drones when weather permits. We will schedule another ground search when the weather improves, and it is safe for our ground crews," she confirmed by email.

Similarly, icy conditions have made the search for Gregory a challenge. The Hawthorne resident was reported missing by his family Monday afternoon. The search for him has focused on the Crystal Lake area. His family told ABC7 they fear he may have fallen and hurt himself and that authorities are tracking his cell phone.

Authorities are urging people not to hike into the snowcapped mountains now as conditions remain treacherous.

"It is our recommendation that people stay away from that area," Rodriguez said. "It is extremely dangerous and even experienced hikers are getting in trouble."

Over the last four weeks, San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue teams have responded to 14 rescue missions on Mt Baldy and in the surrounding area. The operations were for lost, stranded and/or injured hikers. Two hikers did not survive after falling and injuring themselves, according to an advisory released Wednesday by the sheriff's department.

"Please know the current conditions on Mt. Baldy are adverse and extremely dangerous," the advisory stated. "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 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."