The Discovery Channel was set to air a live base jump on Mount Everest in May, but producing partner NBC Universal is rethinking the project after the deadliest avalanche in Everest history. At least thirteen people died in the tragedy. The Sherpas were carrying equipment to prepare for the peak's busy season.
50 Sherpas were hit by the avalanche at 20,000 feet; Everest Jump Live star Joby Ogwyn was apparently at the base camp at the time. "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," Discovery Channel said in a statement today.
Ogwyn was going to climb Everest and jump from the summit wearing only a winged suit and cameras. The project's not totally dead, but NBC said "the future of the production will be assessed at the appropriate time."
[via Deadline]
