Avalanche Tragedy On Mount Everest Leads The Discovery Channel To Cancel Live Telecast Of BASE Jump From The Top Of The World

The Discovery Channel has gained millions of viewers by broadcasting events that combine adventure and extreme sports. Their newest adventure that was to have been televised live combined mountain climbing and base jumping with a wing suit. If these 2 things alone don’t give you a shudder, let’s add to that by saying the mountain to be climbed was Mt. Everest.

According to a report from USA Today, mountain climber Joby Ogwyn had planned to scale the summit of Everest and use it as the base point from which to make his jump. Things were going as planned and Ogwyn was at his base camp when tragedy struck.  An ice and snow avalanche occurred costing the lives of 13 dedicated Sherpa guides.

Ogwyn posted on Facebook over this 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."

A Discovery Channel news release stated, "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."

No word has been issued as to whether this event will be rescheduled.

(Image from file)

FMI: www.discovery.com