The Discovery Channel has decided to cancel daredevil Joby Ogwyn’s wingsuit jump from the summit of Mount Everest following the avalanche on Friday. The accident was the single deadliest at the mountain in recorded history, killing 13 Nepalese guides and leaving others missing and critically injured.
Discovery announced back in February that Ogwyn would jump from the highest peak in the world, with a special about his training airing before the live jump. It was set to follow the success of Nik Wallenda’s tightrope walk across the Grand Canyon.
A NBC Peacock Productions crew that was making the documentary was at the mountain on Friday when the avalanche occurred, but said they were safe. Discovery held off on making an immediate announcement and as late as Saturday, Ogwyn believed that it was still going to happen.
However, late Sunday, Discovery issued a statement saying that the special would not happen out of respect for the families and those who died.
“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 statement reads. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to the whole Sherpa community.”
The death toll stands at 13. The Sherpa guides were setting up a rope along a climbing path as the climbing season is set to start in May and hundreds of international climbers await an opportunity to hike up the mountain. Many have decided to end their plans, while some have delayed their schedules.