Discovery Channel Cancels Everest Jump After Deadly Avalanche
The Discovery Channel has canceled plans to air a live jump off the summit of Mount Everest following an avalanche that killed at least 13 people on the mountain last week. "In light of the overwhelming tragedy at Mount Everest and out of respect for the families of the fallen, Discovery Channel will not be going forward with Everest Jump Live," the network said on its website. "Our thoughts and prayers go out to the whole Sherpa community.", Jumper Joby Ogwyn was already on site preparing for the televised event to air on May 11 when an avalanche killed a group of Sherpa guides and support staff in the deadliest day in the mountain's history. Ogwyn was unharmed. The Discovery Channel had planned several hours of programming around the jump and hoped it would be a ratings draw, the Associated Press reports. The Sherpa community is currently threatening to boycott the upcoming climbing season unless the Nepalese government provides more compensation to the families of those killed and injured. Three people are still missing.