After last week’s deadly avalanche on Mount Everest took the lives of 13 Sherpas, including two directly linked to Discovery Channel’s Flight From Everest production, NBC’s Peacock Productions say the show won’t go on.
“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,” the NBC network said in a statement on Sunday. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to the whole Sherpa community.”
“Wing Suit Explorer” Joby Ogwyn was at the base camp when the avalanche occurred. NBC networks announced in February that he would scale the mountain and jump off in a wing suit in a massive production in May. The show was expected to be a major ratings event.
Joby paid his respects to those lost in a Facebook post last weekend.
“I am safe at base camp but I have lost my Sherpa team in the avalanche yesterday. These men were the salt of the Earth. Far better men than me. My heart is broken.”
However, it seems the call to cancel didn’t come from him. On Sunday, he posted to Facebook that they were “staying on the mountain to honor our friends and complete our project.” That message has since been deleted.
