‘Everest Jump Live’ Canceled

Discovery pulls the plug after the deadliest avalanche in Everest history.

Joby Ogwyn was planning to summit Everest then glide to the bottom via wing suit. The jump was planned for May 11th. The Discovery channel has confirmed that the stunt has been axed. The cancellation is out of respect for the 16 people who died in last weeks deadly avalanche.

In a statement, Discovery channel wrote:

'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.'

The avalanche happened in the Khumbu Icefall. It's a notoriously dangerous section of mountain, only miles from base camp. Climbers must maneuver over large ice formations and use ladders to cross crevasses hundreds of feet deep.

Sherpa guides were on their way to the summit, setting climbing ropes for the recreational climbing season. It was day one of the season when the avalanche occurred.

Even if the jump were still on, Ogwyn wouldn't have a guide to assist him to the summit. Sherpa's have left the mountain in protest and respect for their dead colleagues. The 2014 climbing season is over according to AP.

Sherpa guides risk their lives for others recreation. The risks don't outweigh the compensation they receive according to the Sherpa's. They say the Nepalese government makes a lot of money from climbing passes and should be able to provide the Sherpa's with better benefits and pay.

'Everest Jump Live' was set to be the latest in a series of death defying stunts live on Discovery channel. They have announced a follow up event to Nik Wallenda's tightrope walk across the Grand Canyon. He will cross the skyline of Chicago in a special called 'Skyscraper Live With Nik Wallenda.' The event is set for later this year.