Discovery Channel Cancels Everest Jump Event After Fatal Avalanche

Discovery Channel has canceled a planned live special from Mount Everest in the wake of a fatal avalanche that left upwards of twelve people dead just days ago. The channel was planning to put on a special for a planned live jump from the mountain by climber Joby Ogwyn.

A small NBC prep crew involved in the Discovery Channel special was on the mountain when the avalanche hit, but the crewmembers survived. The Discovery Channel put out a statement announcing that in light of the tragedy they are calling the special off.

“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. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the whole Sherpa community.”

Ogwyn posted on Facebook yesterday about a charity he’s forming “to take care of our fallen Sherpa and those who could fall in the future.”

[h/t THR]
[photo via screengrab]

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Follow Josh Feldman on Twitter: @feldmaniac

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