Everest Jump Live Special Canceled by Discovery Channel After Avalanche Tragedy

"In light of the overwhelming tragedy at Mt. Everest and respect for the families of the fallen, Discovery Channel will not be going forward with Everest Jump Live," the network said

By Tierney Bricker Apr 21, 2014 1:27 AMTags
Joby Ogwyncourtesy of Discovery

Discovery Channel has canceled its plans to air Everest Jump Live, its upcoming live daredevil special, in the wake of the recent avalanche tragedy.

"In light of the overwhelming tragedy at Mt. Everest and respect for the families of the fallen, Discovery Channel will not be going forward with Everest Jump Live," the network said in a statement. "Our thoughts and prayers go out to the whole Sherpa community."

On Friday, 13 Sherpa guides were killed by an avalanche on Mount Everest, which is now the single deadliest accident to happen on the world's highest peak, according to CNN. A group of 50 people were hit by the avalanche, with three people still missing and injuring several others.

Discovery Channel originally planned to air Everest Jump Live on May 11, with the special focusing on Joby Ogwyn's attempt to become the first person to glide down Mt. Everest in a wingsuit. The cabler also planned to air a five-night late-night talk show leading up to the special.

After the avalanche, Ogwyn posted a message on the special's Facebook page, writing, "I am safe at base camp but I have lost my Sherpa team in the avalanche yesterday. These men were the salt of the Earth. Far better men than me. My heart is broken."

On Friday, One Tree Hill and Chicago PD star Sophia Bush took to Twitter to confirm that her boyfriend Dan Fredinburg, who had been hiking the Earth's highest mountain for almost a month, was safe.

"For all concerned, @danfredinburg & team are safe at Camp 1 on #Everest after the avalanche. Please keep the Sherpa's in your prayers," the One Tree Hill alum tweeted.