Mount Baldy is “very scary to climb” in snowy conditions, but missing actor Julian Sands “walks a lot,” a friend of the actor told Fox News Digital Thursday.
“Traveling is very difficult with the weather,” said actor Kevin Ryan, who first met Sands when the two were shooting the drama “Crossbones” together. Ryan made the trip “a couple of times” and twice in the winter.
“You’re talking six to eight to nine hours to get to the summit,” added Ryan. “And when it’s cold, it’s very difficult. I know that Julian is a very progressive and strong-willed person. He is very, very strong. And we are staying strong that it will be a good return for him.”
However, Ryan noted that with California’s “very cold, wet weather” this year, it will likely hamper search efforts on the mountain.
ACTOR JULIAN SANDS RATEST HIKER TO ENCOUNTER DANGER NEAR LA MOUNTAIN; EXPERT WEIGHT AT RISK
Kevin Ryan, right, said Julian Sands introduced him to Mount Baldy.
(David Livingston/Getty Images/Fox News Digital)
“I think the weather is a big factor in this, why they can’t get to some of those places,” Ryan said, adding the snow could fall.
On Wednesday afternoon, the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department said the search for Sands would continue by air only, adding that searchers were using RECCO technology that can detect physical, electronic and, sometimes, credit cards.
Ryan said he was always hopeful rescuers would find Sands, 65, alive, following the discovery of 75-year-old passenger Jin Chung, who had been missing for two days before being found alive. Sands has been absent for 13 days
Chung “suffered weather-related injuries and a leg injury but was able to get out with the help of the crew,” the department said.
Ryan told Fox News Digital that “during an event like this where day by day, hour by hour goes by, you worry more and more, you know, about a safe return, but all we have in a situation like this is hope.
“One of the things, like I said, is Julian’s progress,” Ryan added. “And he’s a smart man, and I keep hoping that he’s resisting and, you know, surviving.”
Julian Sands was reported missing on Friday, January 13.
(Piraccini/Mondadori Portfolio via Getty Images)
CLICK HERE TO SUBSCRIBE TO THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER
Ryan said he last saw Sands a few months ago at Runyon Canyon in Los Angeles, where they often met.
“It’s an interesting story, really,” he said. “I was running down a hill at one point, and I slipped and hurt my left leg. And about eight seconds later, Julian Sands appears around the corner. And he found me safe down the hill. So, he knows what he’s doing.”
He said that Sands is always on the road ready with everything he needs in his bag.
“He’s climbed more serious mountains than me. He’s a more advanced hiker than me. So I’m hoping he’ll be good,” he added.
MUSICIAN JULIAN SANDS IS KNOWN AS THE MISSING WAR IN CALIFORNIA
Sands’ brother Nick Sands was pessimistic in an interview on Tuesday with the British Telegraph & Argus newspaper.
“She hasn’t been reported missing – she’s presumed dead – but I know in my heart she’s gone,” Nick said. “However, sibling rivalry being what it is, it’s almost as if he’ll walk away from there proving me wrong.
The rescue of British actor Julian Sands continues.
(Franco Origlia)
“He has an army of friends, fans and admirers who have been wonderful in their support and will miss Jules very much.”
Despite the situation, Ryan said he still had hope.
“I know strength [he] it is, and I know how smart and prepared he is,” Ryan said. “So, I’m refusing. If a man can get through this, he can. And that’s all I have to rely on right now. So I’m still praying for him.”
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
He also offered “his deepest love and support to the family.”
“It’s a very difficult time for them, and I just want to send my love to them,” Ryan said. “I also want to thank all the search parties, the sheriff’s department and everyone on the ground who have put in so much effort so far and will continue to do so until they find Julian.”
