Missing Hiker Search Ends - Julian
June 20, 2023 – San Diego County Sheriff’s Department officials report that the search for a missing hiker in Julian has concluded.
Volunteer divers with the San Diego County Sheriff's Department Reserve Unit found a body just before 1:30 p.m. on Monday, June 19.
The body was recovered underwater in the middle pool of Three Sisters Falls. This is the same area where the missing man was last seen on Friday, June 16.
For four days, deputies with the Alpine Sheriff's Station, Julian Sheriff's Substation, Sheriff's ASTREA helicopter, CAL FIRE and U.S. Forest Service continuously searched for the man.
The water current was too dangerous for divers to attempt a search underwater until today. The body has been turned over to the Medical Examiner's Office just before 4:00 p.m. at the trailhead. The M.E. will make a positive identification of the man, as well as determine cause and manner of death pending notification of his family.
The family is declining requests for comment or media interviews and is asking for privacy during this difficult time. A Sheriff's family liaison lieutenant, a Sheriff's Chaplain, and representatives with Trauma Intervention Programs of San Diego (TIPS) have been provided to the family.
The U.S. Forest Service has reopened Three Sisters Falls. This trail is extremely strenuous, and it is not for beginners. Please use caution when hiking. Click on the photo below to watch our public safety video.
We thank all the volunteers who helped during the search operations. The Sheriff’s Search and Rescue (SAR) is an all-volunteer unit. Together, they perform wilderness and urban rescues and search for missing and at-risk persons. Teams are available 24 hours per day to respond to local, state, and federal agency requests. To learn more about SAR, visit: www.sdsheriff.gov/volunteer.
Earlier Summary: On Saturday, June 17, 2023, the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department continued ongoing search efforts in the Mount Baldy wilderness for missing hiker Julian Sands. Unfortunately, Mr. Sands was not located.
Saturday’s search included over 80 Search and Rescue volunteers, deputies, and staff. Their efforts were supported by two helicopters, and drone crews. Aviation resources inserted search teams into remote areas across Mount Baldy and conducted aerial search and assessments efforts. Additionally, drone crews searched areas inaccessible to ground crews.
Despite the recent warmer weather, portions of the mountain remain inaccessible due to extreme alpine conditions. Multiple areas include steep terrain and ravines, which still have 10 plus feet of ice and snow.
Since January, the Sheriff’s Department has conducted eight searches (ground and air) specific to Mr. Sands, with volunteer search hours exceeding 500 hours. Additionally, eight unrelated search and rescue operations have been conducted in the Mount Baldy area.
Mr. Sands’ missing person case remains active and search efforts will continue in a limited capacity. Anyone with additional information is asked to call Detective B. Meelker with the Fontana Station at (909) 356-6710.
Hiking Safety Tips - San Diego County Sheriff’s Department (View Video)
Hiking is a rejuvenating way to exercise and connect with nature. Preparation is crucial before setting off on your grand adventure. Watch the video to learn about safety tips before you hit the trails.
Sheriff's ASTREA is a valuable regional resource. Unprepared hikers impact emergency services taking away help from those who truly need it including putting out a wildfire.
Learn more about Sheriff's ASTREA by following this link:
sdsheriff.gov/bureaus/law-enforcement-services-bureau/support-services/astrea
Source & photos: San Diego County Sheriff’s Department
