Discovery Channel has canceled Everest Jump Live, which was scheduled for Sunday May 11. The network put out this statement last night:
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. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the whole Sherpa community.
The 2-hour event was to be produced by NBC News’ Peacock Productions, chronicling climber Joby Ogwyn’s journey to the summit of Mt. Everest and his plunge from the top wearing a wingsuit equipped with cameras to give a bird’s eye view.
NBC News’ Willie Geist was to serve as host and be joined by The Weather Channel’s Jim Cantore. This morning on “Today” Geist reported that Sherpa guides are boycotting after Friday’s avalanche — the single deadliest incident in the mountain’s history. 13 Sherpa guides died and three others are still missing. Discovery was planning to broadcast five nights of live programs from Everest beginning Monday, May 5, simulcasting on the Science Channel and Discovery en Español.