Discovery Channel cancels ;Everest Jump Live; after deadly avala

USPA News - The planned jump of a California climber from Mount Everest will not go ahead after Friday`s avalanche on the world`s highest mountain claimed the lives of 16 guides, a representative for Discovery Channel, which was to broadcast the event live, confirmed on Sunday. "Everest Jump Live" was scheduled to be broadcast live around the world on Discovery Channel on May 11, when California resident Joby Ogwyn was to attempt the first wing suit flight off the summit of Mount Everest, which is the world`s highest mountain with a peak at 8,848 meters (29,029 feet) above sea level.

"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," channel spokeswoman Laurie Goldberg said on Sunday. She said the event would not be rescheduled to a later date. Discovery Channel had announced the jump on February 5, calling it "one of the greatest human feats" ever to be captured on live television. The live 2-hour broadcast was expected to show Ogwyn as he battled grueling conditions on his way to the mountain`s summit before ultimately jumping off the top of Mount Everest in a custom-made wingsuit equipped with cameras. Discovery Channel also aired American Nik Wallenda`s tightrope walk across the Grand Canyon in June 2013 and Australian daredevil Felix Baumgartner`s space jump from a height of approximately 39 kilometers (24 miles) over New Mexico. The avalanche on Mount Everest happened on early Friday morning, killing thirteen Nepali guides and leaving three others missing and presumed dead. It marked the worst ever single loss of life on Mount Everest, surpassing the eight deaths in a blizzard on the mountain in May 1996.