Actor Julian Sands confirmed dead five months after California mountain hike

The death of British actor Julian Sands has been confirmed three days after human remains where found in the southern California hills where he disappeared five months ago. He was 65.

Sands, was an avid hiker and mountaineer, who lived in Los Angeles, He was reported missing January 13 after setting out on a hike near Mount Baldy, east of Los Angeles. The region was hit hard by severe storms during winter.

An investigation has now confirmed that human remains discovered in wilderness on Saturday are those of the actor. Authorities say an autopsy has been conducted, but further test results are needed before the cause of death can be determined.

Crews aided by drones and helicopters had searched for him several times, but, severely hampered by wintry conditions that lasted through spring, no sign of him was found until the civilian hikers came upon him.

Sands, who was born, raised and began acting in England, worked constantly in film and television, amassing more than 150 credits in a 40-year career. During a 10-year span from 1985 to 1995, he played major roles in a series of acclaimed films.

After studying at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama in London, Sands embarked on a career in stage and film, playing small parts in films including “Oxford Blues” and “The Killing Fields.” He landed the starring role of George Emerson, who falls in love with Helena Bonham Carter's Lucy Honeychurch while on holiday in Tuscany, in the 1985 British romance, “A Room With a View.”

The film from director James Ivory and producer Ismail Merchant won the British Academy of Film and Television Arts award for best film, and was nominated for eight Oscars, winning three.

In the wake of its success, Sands moved to the United States to