The Discovery Channel has indicated it will not be moving forward with “Everest Jump Live,” a planned special about mountain climber Joby Ogwyn’s effort to climb Mount Everest and then glide down in a wingsuit. A recent avalanche caused the deadliest day in Mount Everest climbing history, as thirteen people were killed while three remain missing. Most of them were Nepali Sherpas.
The network had also planned a five day late night talk show to discuss Ogwyn’s plans and asked viewers to connect over social media with Ogwyn while he was still at basecamp. The live show was scheduled to air on May 11, and he had already arrived at basecamp for pre-climb preparations. An experienced mountaineer, Ogwyn became the youngest American to ever climb Everest when he climbed it for the first time at 24 years old.
Discovery announced the news in a statement released Sunday saying, “In light of the overwhelming tragedy at Mount Everest and respect for the families of the fallen, Discovery Channel will not be going forward with Everest Jump Live.”